Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto took on the challenge of designing a toilet that, while still being closed, offered an openness in the context of its railway station-adjacent site in Ichihara-city, Chiba, Japan. As well as serving the purpose of a gorgeous and attractive attraction and called the world’s most peaceful toilet, the Serene Itabu Toilet also serves the purpose of fulfilling one’s needs as a bathroom. Called the “world’s most spacious restroom”, the public lavatory is set within a lush 200-square-meter garden of trees and flowers.
Called the “world’s most spacious restroom”, the public lavatory is set within a lush 200-square-meter garden of trees and flowers
Considering the picturesque location, Sou Fujimoto conceived two units — one for unisex use and people with disabilities, and the other for women only. The project merges public and private notions, open and closed, nature and built architecture, and smallness and largeness. The result is a lavatory inside a glass box placed in the middle of a 200-square-meter garden planted with trees and flowers. This provides occupants a serene view while using the facilities. To combat the issue of seclusion, a 2-meter tall wooden log roll fence has been placed around the perimeter. A small pathway has been cleared away among the lush foliage, to reach the outhouse.
The construction of the toilet took place in 2012 before the start of an art festival, which was to take place in the town. Creator, Sou Fujimoto, won international acclaim for the work he carried out. The project cost the city roughly about $124,000 and is also defended by the city’s tourist’s board, which refer to the location as a functioning toilet as well as a tourist attraction.
The project merges public and private notions, open and closed, nature and built architecture, and smallness and largeness
Photography by Iwan Baan
