In high-traffic public spaces like subway stations, how can the layout of bathroom integrated basins be planned to accommodate multiple users simultaneously without interference?
Publish Time: 2025-12-18
In such high-density public spaces, restrooms are crucial service facilities, and their efficiency and user experience directly impact overall operational quality. Especially during peak hours, passenger demands for toilet facilities, handwashing, and grooming surge, making traditional single-function washbasins insufficient for simultaneous use. Therefore, scientifically planning the layout of bathroom integrated basins is a key strategy for improving restroom service efficiency.1. Modular Layout for Enhanced EfficiencyBathroom integrated basins typically integrate handwashing, storage, mirrors, and even drying functions. Arranging them in modular groups significantly increases service capacity per unit area. A linear or L-shaped arrangement is recommended, with each group containing 2-3 independent units. These units are visually and physically separated by partitions or countertop designs. This saves space and prevents users from bumping into each other, effectively reducing psychological discomfort. Meanwhile, each unit should ensure a lateral usable width of at least 70 centimeters, conforming to ergonomic standards to ensure unrestricted movements such as turning and bending.2. Clear Functional Zoning to Reduce Cross-InterferenceTo avoid cross-flow of people and functional mixing, the integrated washbasin area should be clearly separated from the toilet and urinal areas. Ideally, the washbasin should be placed near the toilet entrance/exit, forming a one-way flow of "enter—use the toilet—wash hands—leave." Furthermore, the washbasin area itself should be further subdivided: quick handwashing stations on the left and full-service stations on the right. This allows those in urgent need and those at leisure to access what they need without obstruction, improving overall traffic efficiency.3. Optimized Pedestrian Flow to Ensure Smooth PassageIn high-traffic stations, queuing can easily cause congestion. Therefore, a buffer zone of at least 1.2 meters should be reserved in front of the washbasins, and angled or curved countertops should be used to guide the natural flow of people. Meanwhile, the floor can be paved with non-slip, clearly color-coded tiles, complemented by lighting to help passengers quickly identify available spaces. If conditions permit, a symmetrical layout can be implemented on both sides of the entrance—placing washbasins on either side to create a two-way flow and further alleviate peak-hour congestion.4. Integrating Smart and Accessible Design to Enhance InclusivityModern integrated washbasins should incorporate smart sensor faucets, automatic soap dispensers, and antibacterial countertops to reduce the risk of contact transmission and speed up usage. Furthermore, the needs of special groups must be considered: at least one accessible space should be provided in each row of washbasins, with a height below 80 cm, sufficient wheelchair turning space, and equipped with handrails and an emergency call button. Child-friendly design is also essential; low-profile sinks can be added next to standard-height washbasins, or height-adjustable retractable faucets can be installed.The layout of bathroom integrated basins in rail transit station restrooms should not only focus on the equipment itself but also take a systemic perspective, coordinating spatial efficiency, behavioral logic, and humanistic care. Only through modular design, functional zoning, streamlined workflow, and intelligent, barrier-free integration can the ideal state of "multiple users simultaneously without interfering with each other" be truly achieved, providing passengers with an efficient, comfortable, and safe public service experience. This not only reflects the human-centered design of urban transportation but is also an important indicator of the refined design of modern public spaces.
