CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH: Knowing from Peoplein slums about Public Toilets in India
Shikha Agarwal (, Ph: 7498328743)
Abir Mullick (, Ph: 001-404-444-4332 (c), 001-404-555-5733 (h))
Pushplata Swarnakar (, Ph: 8128755336)
Ashok Kumar (, Ph: 8128910077)
Jamsetji Tata Research Chair Initiative, National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
Fulbright-Nehru Scholarship, United States India Educational Foundation
Georgia Institute of Technology, USA
Purpose of Study
The Public Bathroom project is a research and design initiative that aims to understand the use of public toilets in Indian slums. The project engages intended users to understand the usability of bathrooms and toilets and develop universal design standards thatbenefit everyone.
Full scale simulation method was employed to learn from diverse users about the spatial requirements in public toilets. The technique employed bathroom and toilet models in full scale to know from people about problems and opportunities related to usability, behavior and satisfaction. The technique is useful in finding answers to questions like the following:
1. What should be the minimum size of bathrooms and toilets that support use by independent and dependant users like people with disabilities, elderly and children?
2. What wall supports will help users sit down and get up from a latrine?
3. Wherebathroom faucet and storage should be located for easy access?
Approach and Methodology
Simulationconducted in two stages. In the first stage, two models ofbathroom and toiletwere constructed. These models had no fixtures; just grids drawn on the wall to record information of need, use and interaction. Intended users performed a protocol on bathroom and toilet use. They identified fixture and accessory locations as well as minimum space needed to perform activities. The locations preferredfor faucets, grab bars,light switch, clothes hanging and seating were recorded in data sheets. A composite data sheet was prepared by compounding data from all users.
In the second stage, the composite data was used to construct a bathroom and toilet model with fixtures installed.Intended users were asked to perform same protocol.The locations and need for fixtures were again recorded and an integrated data sheet was prepared by compositing data from all users. The second stage helped to confirm the information obtained in stage one and develop a unified data that will serve as a starting point for testing bathroom and toilet standards.
Results
Simulation results include the following:
1. The current 3’x3’ bathroom stalls are inadequate for all users.
2. Independent and dependent users need 3’x4’ bathroom stalls, those using walkers and those offering care need 4’x4’ bathroom stalls to perform bathing and toileting activities.
3. Toilets must have wall mounted, T- shaped grab bars for sitting down and getting up.
4. Latrines need to have buttock support to maintain comfortable seating posture during defecation.
5. Bathroom stalls need to have: a) low height faucet location, accessory storage, and clothes hanging for disabled users crawling on the floor and children; b) mid height faucet location, accessory storage, and clothes hanging for seated and standing users.
6. Bathroom sinks and urinals need to accommodate standing users, crawlers, and children.
Conclusion
The simulation method helped to develop important universal design information. The method helped observeproblems while people performed protocol. It is a collaborative process where intended users participate in the design process with researchers, the experience allowed sharing and obtaining feedback necessary to develop universal design bathroom guidelines.
Topic Code: J- Others, 500words