Baca Biar Ngerti... Ngerti Biar Tambah Wawasan... PART 02

Designing Public Rest Rooms:
Privacy is in the Details

Provided by Hadrian
By Virginia A. Greene, AIA
Planning criteria address aesthetics, safety, maintenance, and sustainability

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Handicapped Accessible Design
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that ensures people with
disabilities have equal access to goods and services. The law applies to most types of facilities
and public rest rooms, regardless of local building codes.
While wheelchair accessible bathrooms are required in new facilities, not all accessible toilet partitions
are designed for the required five-foot wheelchair turning radius.
All new public bathroom details must plan fixtures and partitions to accommodate the wheelchair-turning
radius within a partitioned space. Some designs provide large accessible stalls, and standard access
compartments with out-swinging doors clearing 32 inches, for direct wheelchair access to wall-mounted
toilet compartments without turning space. These designs have accordingly increased the depth of each
stall from 48 inches to 56 inches in depth. By comparison, floor mounted toilets require 59 inches for
accessible design. It is important to note that handicapped-accessible partitions and stalls are not
interchangeable with standard partition stalls because they accommodate specific
accessibility needs. These unique stalls therefore have specific design criteria with a
separate set of standards within the toilet partition system. For example, toilet partition
door hinges are out-swinging to meet code standards for 32 inches clear when open at 90
degrees. Handicapped accessible partitions must provide mounted grab bars at 33-inches
to 36-inches above the finished floor material. Horizontal grab bars are to be mounted on
the nearest sidewall and behind the toilet. Architects specify hardware designed for accessibility,
but should always adhere to the latest ADA specifications. Requirements can vary by region and state.
Accessible hardware includes lever-type door handles, which must be operable without a twist or turning
movement. Additionally, standard ADA-compliant hardware, with safety release latches in
case of an emergency, should also be considered. According to Martino, theater design is
increasingly including the convenience of an additional, separate ADA rest room facility,
with one toilet and one sink, thus allowing the wheelchair user to be accompanied by
someone for assistance. “This concept allows ease of moving the patrons within the
theater complex,” Martino observes.
The use of multiple handicapped accessible direct access partitions in a bathroom provides
everyone a more accessible experience. When the same accessible hardware is used
uniformly throughout the design, such as lever-type handles, users may experience greater
ease in using the rest room, such as opening and closing a partition door if their arms are
full of packages, or if they are carrying a child into the bathroom. Also, providing access
and orientation for a person entering a rest room facility is an important design objective,
which can be achieved by the layout of the space, and by use of accessory elements for
each application. Toilet partitions can typically be customized from a selection of options.
Standard Toilet Partitions and Urinal Screens
The type of metal toilet partition that architects generally specify has 58-inch-high doors
and panels and is ”headrail braced,” which is also referred to as ‘floor mounted-overhead
braced.’ This standard height for metal toilet partitions is also available in ceiling-hung,
floor-mounted, and floor-toceiling styles. Floor-to-ceiling mounted partitions and
screens are the strongest and are specified where extra durability is required. There
are several choices affecting cost, such as mounting and material expense.
Toilet partitions should be designed and specified for privacy, security, design
flexibility, use of quality materials, and ease of installation. The same design
standards apply to urinal screens, which are used as visual barriers only, and are not
required to enclose the urinal space. The installation and alignment of these screens is
key to their successful use. A honeycombed core, or corrugated internal panel
structural design, improves the strength and impact resistance of metal toilet partitions. Some
industry standards have developed over time, such as concealed hinge mounting for better
appearance, and higher-quality hardware. Continuous hinge partition doors and flange
mounting of screens are simpler in their design and easier to clean. Hinges designed for high use
are able to take asymmetrical loading situations, such as packages hung on coat hooks on
the backs of stall doors. The metal plates at the foot of partition stanchions or pilasters,
which are referred to as shoes, protect and conceal the floor and ceiling mounting
hardware. This can give a clean line to the design and increase washable surfaces, which
do not collect dirt and debris.

Variety of Styles
There are many different types of partitions, including square edge and arched, or curved
designs. Toilet partitions are offered in several styles, including enclosures where the
standard partition height is 58 inches high, with doors and panels mounted 12 inches above
the finished floor material, and 14 inches above the finished floor material for standard
plastic doors and panels. Partitions are also designed full height for the most privacy and
security, as vandalism includes using the toilet fixture as a stepping platform to gain
access to another partition from overhead. These secure systems are 64 inches-high
material with a six-inch gap from the bottom of the door to the finished floor material.
These are also available with 72-inch doors and 76-inch panels. Some highly reflective
panel and ceiling finishes are not desirable, as they may compromise privacy.
Standard toilet partition systems are manufactured to save time and money because they
can be efficiently shipped and installed relatively quickly. In high-traffic areas, long-term
use of these systems demands that toilet partitions be interchanged and upgraded over
time. Facility managers often renovate highly used or outdated public rest rooms with a
new design, material change, or panel replacement. The flexibility and workability of metal
toilet partitions enables replacement of damaged components, providing significant cost
savings, compared to purchasing and installing all new toilet partitions.

Material Strength and Durability
Heavy use can cause partitions to rack and doors to pinch when opening and closing. Proper
mounting and hardware is key to preventing this type of damage. Headrail bracing is
recommended in heavy-use areas, such as schools and industrial settings. The top rail is
designed with an anti-grip feature to deter climbing.
Most partitions are adjustable with floor mounting hardware, able to accommodate
sloping floors to floor drains. As concrete sub-floors are most often involved in these
installations, architects should look for adaptable product designs. Architects also
periodically review available alternate panels for replacement and alternate color
selections. Generally, panels are developed to withstand impacts and offer dent
resistance, depending upon the panel construction. Standard metal panels are typically
one inch thick and constructed with an internal cell structure for added strength, while
others are constructed of solid material.
Most solid plastic toilet partitions are one inch thick, however because polypropylene solid
plastic is more rigid than high-density polyethylene, (HDPE), three-quarter-inch thick doors
and panels can be used as well. These lighter, solid plastic panels are more manageable
than traditionally specified solid plastic and plastic laminate panels.
Solid materials, such as polypropylene, have many advantages over other materials because
they are more rigid, will not dent or crack, and never need repainting. The internal structure
of the panel is made to take potential abuse from denting or lateral forces. Scratching has
been considered by using new techniques to powder coat metals, brushed metal surfaces,
and solid, composite or plastic laminate surfaces. Textured steel panels hide fingerprints,
and offer improved acoustic qualities.
The use of brushed metal surfaces for toilet partition panels is preferred where scuffing or
marking the surface is a concern in high-traffic areas. Embossed and textured stainlesssteel
partitions are generally available, along with a range of basic color choices and
finishes. Architects can specify a metal powder-coated finish on steel toilet partitions
because of the affordability, strength of the steel, and durable quality of the finish.
Attached metal splash plates and grab bars are used with every type of toilet-partition
material available. Plastic panels do not have the sound absorption qualities that textured
steel panels provide.
For large exposed surface areas, cleaning graffiti can be a large percentage of personnel
and maintenance supply budgets. A polypropylene solid plastic surface typically does not
leave ghosting after cleaners are used. Advances in powder-coating technology include
finishes with anti-graffiti properties.

Sustainable Design: Using Reclaimed Materials
Many materials are eligible for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
ratings, as developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), but not all toilet
partitions meet sustainability goals. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a
voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance,
sustainable buildings. Recycling is an area of manufacturing addressing the use of
environmentally sensitive or sustainable design.
Some, but not all, toilet partitions offer recycled content in doors, panels, and pilasters.
Architects should carefully investigate material content of building products when
specifying or considering sustainability ratings, because the details can vary considerably.
Researching materials and processes will determine whether certain toilet partitions are
eligible to earn LEED points, which contribute to a building’s overall rating.
For example, some available powder-coated metal toilet partitions and screens are
manufactured from material containing approximately 50 percent recycled steel (36
percent post-commercial, and 14 percent post-industrial). Other stainless-steel toilet
partitions typically contain approximately 75 percent recycled stainless steel. The
honeycomb core of some partition doors, panels, and pilasters is composed of 18 to 24
percent recycled content.
Similarly, some available solid plastic toilet partitions are made from marine-grade
polypropylene, an environmentally responsible choice. The post-industrial content for
these types of partitions ranges from one percent to 10 percent, and the long lifespan
of plastic equates to less material used over the long term, due to minimal
replacement needs. Widely used, powder paints are safe on the environment, as there
is virtually no waste, energy consumption is low, and there are no solvent emissions
in the painting process.
A green, or sustainable, building should maintain a balance with the natural environment,
including indoor air quality. The use of composite recycled materials provides durability and
maintenance solutions in high-traffic areas. Many types of panels can last as long as 20
years, thus minimizing replacement and enhancing sustainability. A long product life span
means systems are replaced less often, and therefore less material will be used over time.
As the leading organization representing the industry on environmental building matters,
USGBC advocates changes in the way buildings are designed, built, and maintained. Similar
types of building products, including toilet partitions, can vary widely regarding materials,
content, manufacturing processes, and other sustainable qualities, which all must be
carefully investigated before specifying. Architects can access the certification process
through the USGBC and local affiliates for sustainable design standards. (www.usgbc.org)

Coloring Impressions
The use of color to influence the perceived openness of a space can dramatically affect
the experience in a public bathroom. When fully occupied, a public bathroom can
seem claustrophobic or compressed, but good task lighting and use of color can
enhance the space.
Most toilet partitions are available in a range of color options and powder-coated special
effects finishes, which are visually interesting, and help hide fingerprints and marks. When
used to enhance the design of the rest of the building by coordinating colors and textures
as part of the detail, color selection is very important.

Toilet Partition Accessories
Researching appropriate accessories and hardware, and checking the shear stress capacity
of each is important for specifying coat hooks and related items. Coat hooks for hanging
outer garments when using the rest room should be provided. Often, the hook is too small
to support the size and weight of a long, heavy coat. Sometimes the coat hook is stressed
to the maximum degree, and gives way or completely shears off under the extreme pressure
placed upon it by too many heavy, hanging packages and improper use. Some coat hook
designs feature solid-cast zinc hooks and oversized black rubber bumpers that function as
both doorstop and bag hook. From well-anchored coat hooks to purse shelves, hardware
attachments are the primary accessory in the toilet partition system.
Some bathroom designs call for the use of air-freshening systems and air-circulation
accessories to be installed between individual partitions. Fans to exhaust air and increased
fresh-air circulation measures help, but the entire room should be taken into consideration
for proper humidity control, and total air and heat exchanges.
Architects can specify products for air-drying machines, paper dispensers, shelves,
changing surfaces, racks, and towel dispensers. Additional coordinated accessories include
amenities such as sanitary disposals, wall-mounted garbage receptacles, hand dryers,
toilet paper dispensers, and sanitary toilet seat cover dispensers. Without these
accessories, public rest room design does not achieve the expected comfort and
convenience. A sophisticated audience, the general public has come to recognize and
expect high standards in the design of public rest rooms.

Virginia A. Greene, AIA, president of New York-based Virginia A. Greene, Architect, PC, is an
author and frequently writes about design.