Heathrow Industrial Chic

I have to be a bit surreptitious when I take photos in public restrooms. I lost my nerve when we went to Harrods, that epitome of shopping decadence in London. The restroom I finally located was crowded with chattering, primping women in party gear. We were at the end of a long day, traveling from Hereford and dressed a bit too casually for the classy surroundings. I didn't even go in - first I would be surrounded by women dressed to the nines, an obvious tourist, and then hoping to get a clear shot for a photo in a 'private' place.

Anyway, I did get manage to get this from Heathrow International. The design is relatively compact with automatic water and soap dispensers. The hand drying is a bit of a reach in the alcove above the sink. And a mirror above that. Not much use to short people - you can barely see the top of my head here.  However, they did allow a bit of counter space for your handbag, backpack or maybe cosmetics (for those who can actually see the mirror)

Stony compact elegance

I have always admired the British and European use of space. With less room to sprawl, they are mindful to make the most of small areas, and often do it most elegantly.

Here are two stone sinks in the train station at Cardiff. They are compact systems with automatic soap, water and airdrying built in to a small space. The warm air drying was particularly welcome; like many public restrooms worldwide the room is not well heated. 

And if you take a look, that they are designed to please the eye as well as conserve space- the basin shape is repeated in the heating vent below, and balanced by the curved opening  above the sink.