Wellbeing trend shaping commercial bathrooms

A new study into the impact commercial washroom design can have on user experience has been launched during an event hosted by Ideal Standard in London this week.

Researchers identified a wellbeing trend and demand for relaxing office bathroom facilities.

The report was commissioned by manufacturer Armitage Shanks and led by chartered architect and academic at the Belfast School of Architecture, Dr Saul Golden.

During a panel discussion he said wellbeing was the number one social factor that designers think will impact washroom design over the next five years.

The unique study surveyed 2,000 office workers and 400 commercial washroom designers from across Europe on a range of topics, including wellbeing, gender, sustainability, technology and social media.

It was found that people were using workplace washrooms for a wider range of reasons, creating so-called ‘backstage microspaces’ to prepare for their ‘front stage appearance’.

Dr Golden said: “With commercial washroom quality increasingly acknowledged as an important contributor to people’s workplace satisfaction and consumer choice, this research provides timely insights for washroom designers to better adapt their projects from short-term trends to longer-term shifts in user demand.

“The findings offer new insights into people’s views on washroom hygiene, health and comfort, as well as a holistic view of the environmental, economic and technological aspects of washroom design. They therefore aim to help designers deliver value-added washrooms that not only act as more competitive comfort-driven, accessible and inclusive spaces, but also contribute to company brand image and potential ROI.

Cermics designer Robin Levien, architectural consultant Hsi Sung Thomas and design historian Libby Sellers joined Dr Golden on the panel, also discussing sustainability, gender, social media and technology within the washroom space.

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