Designing restrooms to accommodate people who identify as transgender

The purpose of this proposal is to create a safe environment for people who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming to use the restroom or other public facilities such as changing rooms and locker rooms. The most inclusive approach will benefit this demographic of people, as well as everyone in the built environment, no matter their age, race, sexual identity, gender identity, or abilities. This design creates a safe, inclusive restroom that maintains privacy and does not exclude access to any person. The space includes private stalls with full height partitions and doors, an area for hand washing, a separate area for grooming, and an area for people to wait or rest.

The design solves the problem of safety, by making an open corridor that allows people to “keep an eye on” what’s going on, and allows sound to travel from the washing/ grooming stations to the outer lounge area, while still maintaining privacy. There are ADA inclusive stalls, larger stalls for somebody that may be with a companion, and rooms for lactation and baby changing or relaxation. The sink counter and grooming counter are open underneath to accomodate users who have a wheelchair, and there is a 42” clear path at all points throughout the space. The space encourages health and wellness by offering a social lounging area with a water bottle refill station and water fountains.

The design prototype could be modified to fit a locker room, shower room, or changing room. For example, if it was a locker room, each stall on one side could include a shower and dressing area instead of a toilet. Furthermore, the breastfeeding rooms could function as changing rooms instead.