Last Thursday, we were thrilled to present the Perfect Toilets initiative.
A groundbreaking initiative gaining the momentum in Italy, where seven leading architects were teaming up to address a key issue: access to decent public toilets.
The Perfect Toilets initiative, co-sponsored by Tork and the architecture magazine IoArch presented at a conference held at MAXXI in Rome by many industry experts, representatives of local institutions and hygiene professionals, all united behind the goal of improving the conditions of public restrooms.
According to our Insight Survey conducted in 2024, 62% of Italians believe that using public restrooms is unhygienic, and 48% experience anxiety at the idea of having to use them. These numbers highlight a critical issue: the accessibility and safety of public restrooms needs immediate attention!
The presentation of the projects-in the prestigious setting of MAXXI in Rome-provided an opportunity to promote a national debate with hygiene experts, politicians and local administrators on the concrete possibilities for the construction and maintenance of public toilets designed under the banner of accessibility of personal hygiene for all (disabled, elderly, women, families with children, etc.), health, and environmental and economic sustainability. This is work that can be done in synergy between the public and private sectors, with active and ongoing collaboration between local governments and companies in the sector.
On these assumptions and inspired by Wim Wenders' film 'Perfect Days,' the Perfect Toilets project came to life. Architects Sergio Bianchi (Studio Bianchi Architettura) and @AndreaD'Antrassi (MAD) of Rome, Alfonso Femia Femia (Atelier Alfonso Femia AF517) of Milan, Cecchetto & Associati (Cecchetto & Associati) of Venice, Fabrizio Rossi Prodi (RossiProdi Associati) of Florence, @FrancescoBuonfantino (Gnosis Progetti) of Naples, and @ClaudioLucchesi (Urban Future Organization) of Palermo, with architectural historian and critic @LuigiPrestinenzaPuglisi curating the project, each chose a public space in their city and developed their concept for an ideal public restroom.
The event revolved around seven innovative proposals from seven architects for five cities, each envisioning a public restroom that is inclusive, safe, sustainable, and welcoming. Their insights into how urban design can foster more inclusive and sustainable spaces were eye-opening, and I left feeling deeply inspired by the collective commitment to improving public infrastructure for all.
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