Hold it - right there

How could anyone resist smiling? (Just don't laugh too hard, ouch)
These light-hearted graphics are displayed  on the doors to the restrooms in the Bergen International Airport. Perfect for an area where many languages are spoken. And their size gives hope to those in urgent need who can identify them from quite a distance.

Flush button

This summer took us to northern Europe again - this time to Bergen, Norway and the Faroe Islands. There wasn't a lot of blog-worthy washrooms but I did my best. 

This shot is from a public restroom, a pub, I think in Bergen.

The Scandinavian love for clean design is evident here in the flush button on the top of the tank. I know I can hear you groaning now, but if you look closely - the flush button is pretty much flush with the top of the tank. (ba-dum-bum-CHING)

Going with the flow

These two toilets feature design with similar function in mind. Both designate the flow of water based on bodily functions. less for 'number one' and more for 'number two.'

The one on the left is from the Field Museum in Chicago. Users are directed to pull up on handle for one function and down for the other. 

The image on the right if from the tourist center at Conwy Castle, Wales. The larger button is for the heavier flow of water; the smaller button for the lighter flow. 

The coolest bathroom in Kansas

We were just beginning the day's road trek, several weeks ago, when we drove through Lucas and missed the coolest restroom in Kansas. They actually placed second in a national competition in 2014. The quirkiness of the public restroom is totally appropriate for Lucas, since its claim to fame is a wealth of grassroots art including the famous "Garden of Eden."

Take a minute and look at the slide show on this link. It is really a fascinating work, inside and out. However, I think I would REALLY have trouble as a resident bragging to someone that their restroom was Number 2. Or even number one for that matter. Oh, never mind.

European chic in a SE Kansas rest stop

On our return from a getaway at Flint Oak Lodge near Fall River, we stopped at this rest stop on Hwy 400 right around the Greenwood/Butler County line. It is maintained by a private company and, wow, for a a public rest stop it was immaculate! I half-expected an attendant ready to hand me a towel. 

What caught my eye was this elegant bit of industrial design that reminded me of the compact thoughtful design of European interiors where space is a premium. Although there is lots of space in this particular restroom, the soap dispenser is built into shelving, or they made a soap dispenser shaped like a shelf. 

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.