Architecture

Loo with a view: Public restroom concept features working periscope

Loo with a view: Public restroom concept features working periscope
The Seaside Periscope, by Adam Wierciński (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
The Seaside Periscope, by Adam Wierciński (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Those washing their hands can gaze at the Baltic Sea without having their view interrupted by passing people (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Those washing their hands can gaze at the Baltic Sea without having their view interrupted by passing people (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
The Seaside Periscope, by Adam Wierciński (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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The Seaside Periscope, by Adam Wierciński (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Those washing their hands can gaze at the Baltic Sea without having their view interrupted by passing people (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Those washing their hands can gaze at the Baltic Sea without having their view interrupted by passing people (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
The muscular concrete Seaside Periscope is not mere architectural folly, but also serves a practical purpose (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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The muscular concrete Seaside Periscope is not mere architectural folly, but also serves a practical purpose (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
A tribune (or raised platform) is placed between the women's and men's toilet (Image: Adam Wiercinski)
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A tribune (or raised platform) is placed between the women's and men's toilet (Image: Adam Wiercinski)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Image displaying the view from the periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Image displaying the view from the periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
The periscope design (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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The periscope design (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
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Architectural drawing of the Seaside Periscope (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
View gallery - 15 images

It's no easy task for an architect to put his or her stamp on basic facilities like public restrooms. Architect Adam Wierciński has managed it though, and his Seaside Periscope concept comprises a public toilet that sports a working periscope system.

Set to be located on the coast in Gdynia, Poland, the muscular Seaside Periscope resembles a disused bunker from the Soviet era and will be built from concrete if the project goes ahead. The periscope system itself serves a purpose beyond mere novelty, and is placed at a height of 4 m (13 ft) off the ground to offer those visiting the bathroom a good view of the Baltic Sea.

This system offers a few advantages over one-way glass for example, in that no passersby will interrupt the view.

Those washing their hands can gaze at the Baltic Sea without having their view interrupted by passing people (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)
Those washing their hands can gaze at the Baltic Sea without having their view interrupted by passing people (Image: Adam Wierciński Architekt)

The periscope features two mirrors and reflects light from outside and down into the bathroom, into a "viewfinder," which in this case is very large and takes up the place you might usually expect to find a mirror. In addition, a wooden tribune (or raised platform) is situated between the women's and men's bathrooms, from which people can hang out and catch a view of the Baltic without availing themselves of the facilities.

We're not privy to all the details, but the architectural plans of the 90 sq m (968 sq ft) public toilet concept also depict rainwater collection, which is then presumably used for flushing. We've reached out to Wierciński for further information.

Source: Adam Wierciński Architekt

View gallery - 15 images
4 comments
4 comments
Bob Flint
Interesting concept, would the sea breeze also help with ventilation?
Might require some deterrents for birds, or other animals nesting in the viewing overhangs.
GCW
Nice concept. In a periscope without lenses you often see a lot of the inside of the periscope as well as the view out the top. I wonder why you don't see that in the concept renderings from the wash room?
Loving It All
Right. Because public bathrooms have always encouraged people to congregate and hang out there while looking around.
pmshah
With only mirrors and no lenses involved how do you prevent the restroom view to the outsiders?