Background
At the entrance of Dalinggen Village in Songyang County, the public toilet stands as a landmark space, embodying collective memories and community identity. Adjacent to the water, the village authorities commissioned the reconstruction of this public facility to enhance the quality of the village entrance space and imbue it with a distinct sense of place.
Redefining Spatial Design
Challenging conventional stereotypes of enclosed toilet spaces, the design approach for the public toilet focuses on creating a harmonious blend of voids and entities. The toilet is divided into two spatial levels: the voids represent the enclosed toilet space, ensuring privacy, while the entities comprise the semi-enclosed washroom area, facilitating interaction with nature while maintaining a sense of separation from the external environment.
Architectural Elegance
The facade of the public toilet serves as a delicate mask, concealing the interior’s ruggedness while allowing for permeability between the interior and exterior spaces. Constructed with bamboo walls, the facade embodies half-concealed masks, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside, and creating an intriguing interplay of light and shadow.
Integration with Nature
A floating box of light adorns the riverbank, seamlessly integrating with the natural landscape. As dusk descends, the illuminated box resembles a lighthouse, casting a gentle glow over the tranquil waters, enriching the village’s nocturnal ambiance.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Tranquility
The public toilet in Dalinggen Village stands as a testament to innovative architectural design and thoughtful integration with nature. Through its redefined spatial layout, elegant facade design, and harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment, the facility not only enhances the village entrance space but also serves as a beacon of tranquility and community pride amidst the serene backdrop of Songyang County.
