Good Impressions
Sep 1, 2010 12:00 AM, By Jason Renner
School and university restrooms can be both vandal-resistant and attractive.
Designing updated restrooms that are fully equipped, well-lighted, modern-looking, aesthetically pleasing and accessible can help encourage handwashing.
It's a fact: Most students, faculty and visitors who enter a school or college building eventually will use that facility's restrooms. Whether the destination is a lecture hall or classroom, the gym or other sports facility, the cafeteria or the student union, the human flow of restroom traffic is steady — year-round for some facilities and 24 hours a day in some cases.
This high volume puts a strain on facilities and on maintenance crews, who are expected not only to keep restrooms clean and fresh, but also to make sure lavatories, sinks and accessories are working correctly. And even though the restroom patrons at a school or university are somewhat captive, they still feel entitled to facilities that are clean, well-lighted, safe and attractive. If restrooms are neglected, outdated or out of order, eventually the administration will hear about it, because unkempt restrooms can leave a negative impression on the entire enterprise.
Vandalism check
One of the major obstacles to keeping school and college restrooms in good repair is vandalism. Common problems include graffiti on counters and lavatory partitions, blocked-up faucets or toilets, and missing or broken soap and tissue dispensers. Just encountering vandalism can be disturbing, raising doubts about a facility's security capabilities.
The solution? Specify restroom furnishings and fixtures designed and built to help defy common vandalism damage. Initially, it may cost more to choose vandal-resistant products, but they will pay dividends in the long run. By contrast, if an institution chooses to save money upfront, it will discover that when repairs and replacement costs are factored in, it's usually not the better choice.
Pairing durability and beauty
If the image of durable restroom furnishings and fixtures conjures up spare, utilitarian, industrial-looking products, think again. Restroom products can be not only rugged, but also attractive and appealing.
One of the newest materials available for lavatory fixtures is a molded natural quartz material that can be sculpted into a range of design options typically not associated with restrooms: graceful curves, soft radius edges and elegant shapes.
Depending on an institution's requirements, it can specify such sophisticated configurations as an elongated basin with a hidden drain, and a lavatory system that uses a minimalist trap cover to conceal plumbing below. Variances in color and texture can add to a restroom's appeal.
This natural material costs less than granite and is virtually maintenance-free, because it does not require sealing, buffing or reconditioning; unlike granite, this resilient quartz material can be repaired. In addition, its smooth, seamless finish has a non-porous surface, so it does not support microbial growth.
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