Forchstrasse 261 B is a public toilet close to a tram stop. It looks like a metallic cube with no windows. Despite its closed appearance, it is a public building. The building has 3 entrances of which two are situated in the front. Both of those doors have engraved ‘toilet’ signs. The third door has no symbols and no handle and is situated around the corner. This underlines that it is not for public use.
Going to the toilet is something very private. The massive doors amplify this thought. The need of a sterile environment is reflected in the robust and functional design, where nothing is breakable. This public building, owned by the municipality of Zürich, is situated in the middle of a busy street without privacy. It can be used by everyone. Therefore the entrance has no barriers.
The contrast between a public building in an open environment combined with the act of something so private is what makes the thoughtful design of the entrance so crucial. On one hand it needs to invite everyone who passes by and on the other hand it needs to guarantee privacy to its users.
