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Colored Acrylic Panels and Flexible Soft Seating Enhance Gender-Neutral Sanitary Facilities in Austrian Schools

Authors:
Lisa Hirsch, Leonie Georgopoulos
Colored Acrylic Panels and Flexible Soft Seating Enhance Gender-Neutral Sanitary Facilities in Austrian Schools

Project in-detail

Utilizing colored acrylic panels and modular soft seating, the design redefines gender-neutral sanitary facilities in Austrian schools, creating inviting spaces that encourage accessibility and social interaction among students.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates colored acrylic panels that provide visual privacy while maintaining an open atmosphere.
02
Features modular soft seating designed for comfort and flexible use in communal spaces.
03
Includes family-sized cubicles to accommodate diverse user needs and provide accessibility.
04
Utilizes a layout that emphasizes interaction and circulation among users for a community-focused environment.
05
Integrates durable stainless steel fixtures to enhance hygiene and reduce maintenance requirements.
The architectural project focuses on the design of gender-neutral sanitary facilities for schools in Austria. This facility aims to create inclusive spaces that meet the needs of all students, irrespective of gender identity, reflecting a modern understanding of social and educational dynamics. The design promotes accessibility and comfort through innovative architectural approaches that prioritize the user experience while maintaining functionality.

Unique Spatial Configuration

The design features an open floor plan that enhances circulation and interaction among users. By incorporating modular elements, the project presents a flexible configuration, allowing for adjustments based on user preferences or requirements. Colored acrylic panels serve as spatial dividers, providing visual privacy while maintaining an airy atmosphere. This thoughtful approach contrasts with traditional restroom designs by eliminating the rigid gender segregation often found in such facilities.

The soft seating areas, made from foam and fabric, offer comfort and adaptability, facilitating informal conversation and socialization. This emphasizes the project's intention to create a welcoming environment that encourages community engagement among students. Each component is designed to balance privacy with openness, avoiding rigid boundaries and promoting inclusivity.

Functional Design Elements

The sanitary area incorporates essential features that address diverse user needs effectively. Stainless steel fixtures are utilized for durability and hygiene, ensuring that maintenance of the facilities remains manageable. The strategic placement of mirrors enhances the perception of space while providing practical functionality. Seamless surfaces are adopted in the countertops, minimizing cleaning challenges and supporting a hygienic environment.

The design emphasizes accessibility with family-sized cubicles and facilities that comply with universal design principles. This architectural consideration ensures that all users can navigate the space comfortably, establishing a model for future school environments. The layered design aspects, which include visual covers within the stalls, facilitate a balance between user privacy and the communal experience, aligning with contemporary expectations of sanitary facility design.

Exploration of Architectural Solutions

This project showcases unique architectural solutions tailored specifically to the challenges of gender-neutral sanitation. The integration of graphical elements and modular furniture promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance. By prioritizing user-centered design, the project effectively addresses the diverse needs of the school community.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of this architectural project, including its layouts and spatial arrangements, it is encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that detail the innovative approaches adopted in this design. This examination can provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas and methods employed, revealing the thoughtful consideration behind the creation of inclusive and welcoming sanitary environments in educational institutions.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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