3D's: The Ablutions

 3D's: I must admit, this is probably my least favourite part about my course, and even though it's amazing to see your ideas in reality, actually 3D modelling ...well....it sucks. The first space I attempted was my ablutions and I must say, it turned out rather well. I tried to keep with the sunflower concept whilst making it fun and attractive to my student target market.

I decided to design a unisex bathroom to promote inclusivity and wellbeing, and by creating closed stalls, I didn't have to compromise privacy. Here is some detailed information about the design and inspiration and theories behind it:


Social design theory dictates that a person’s comfort, psychological wellbeing as well as inclusivity should be implemented when designing a successful and functional space. Therefore, under the guidance of the theory, unisex ablutions were utilised within the space to allow for individuals of all identities and sexual orientations to be included and comfortable. The individual cubicles provide the needed privacy and the division of stalls on the left and right of the space still provide a seeming barrier for the traditional male and female divisions if preferred.



Additionally, the concept of the sunflower has been brought through into the inclusion of the Fibonacci sequenced circular pattern on the stall doors, representing the sunflower’s centre seed formation. The inclusion of the petal lights beside the wash hand basins also brings in the sunflower’s inspiration, as well as brand identity as an element from the logo, therefore introducing retail design theory into even the ablutions. The design of the vanity represents the structural and organic elements of the sunflower juxtaposing between the rigidity of the timber panelling and the organic flow of the terrazzo top.



Sustainable design theory was also introduced into the space using materials and manufacturing techniques. All timber used within the space is that of recycled Baltic pine sourced locally from timber recycling plants. The terrazzo used for the vanity is also a form of recycled, and it constructed using ‘Plasticiet’ plastic terrazzo manufactured from recycled plastics.. The concealed waste basin design also eliminates the need for basins to be installed, avoiding the unnecessary overuse of materials. Lastly, the use of the ‘Dyson Airblade’ wash and dry mixer uses merely 3.6 grams of carbon dioxide as opposed to the 16.8 grams used by other air-dryers, reducing the building’s carbon footprint significantly.