Public Toilets across Europe: Nine Remarkable Designs

Can a public toilet go beyond a simple cubicle? Explore nine remarkable designs that elevate these typically utilitarian spaces. From Denmark to Poland, these public lavatories redefine the concept of convenience.

Public Toilet Unit in Gdynia 

The teardrop-like toilet in Gdynia prioritises sustainability by featuring recycled materials and blends seamlessly with the surroundings.

Public Toilet in Uster

The prototype toilet unit developed in 2011 features a parametrically-designed façade with adaptable folded aluminium strips.The strips create a shimmering effect through variations in depth, angle and colour.

Public Toilets in the Tête d’Or Park

These larch-clad public toilets by Jacky Suchail Architects seek to create gentle contrast with the surrounding nature, which makes them easy to spot across the park.

Gender-neutral Public Toilet

The newly refurbished gender-neutral toilets under the Town Hall Square are a testament to Copenhahgen’s commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive urban environment.

Park Toilette

Drawing inspiration from the historical urban furniture of Germanic architecture, the architects behind Park Toilette in Park an der Ilm showcase their attention to detail.

Quartier du Flon Transparent Toilet

These transparent restrooms challenge users’ courage by utilising LCD Privacy Glass: the glass becomes transparent when the door to the toilet is open and opaque when closed.

Wembley WC Pavilion

Located in Wembley, this public WC features a durable concrete base and a metal screen above, providing light and airflow — all while maintaining user privacy.

Free-standing Public Toilet

Bold wooden frame and intricate lightning design: this free-standing public lavatory in Kazimierz Dolny is a standout piece of architecture.

“A Star is Born” Toilet

Architect Rem Koolhaas and photographer Erwin Olaf designed this round toilet for an urban exhibition. Its facade showcases a blue-on-white photo collage that is illuminated from the inside in the evenings.