Core77

Over the next months we will be highlighting award-winning projects and ideas from this year's Core77 Design Awards! For full details on the project, jury commenting and more information about the awards program, go to Core77DesignAwards.com

Designer: Kevin Cheng
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Category: Products/Equipment
Award: Student Notable

2P Portable Restroom

The 2P is a portable restroom designed to counter the problems that arise due to heavy attendance at outdoor events. Through innovative placement of an external urinal, it promotes dual-functionality per unit which effectively cuts all lines in half, improves hygienic conditions and reduces cost, space and its carbon footprint.

My research began through many interviews and observations looking at the way people used restrooms, the frequency they washed their hands, and the areas in a public restrooms that often come in contact with a user's hands. I also did a lot of research looking up past studies on handwashing, anal cleaning, and diseases, but as my concept changed to even higher traffic events, my research did as well. I started gathering articles and images and attended the Treasure Island Music Festival to gather insight on usage and observe people's reactions. As my concept developed, I started creating sketch models, scaled down to test it's feasibility and work with it's mechanics and when I was more confident with my direction, I created a full scale model made with cardboard to test it's proportion in person and how I was going to handle the issue of privacy.

Core77: What's the latest news or development with your project?

The project was my thesis at the California College of the Arts. I realize that the aesthetics could use refinement, but I think the functionality of the design is the real breakthrough and after some obstacles, I've finally got it patent pending. I'm looking forward to bringing my idea past the concept phase and making it more than just a portfolio piece.

What is one quick anecdote about your project?

I spent months researching and looking at public hygiene and there are definitely many opportunities there where I imagine most designers tend to shy away from.

Read on for full details on the project and jury comments.

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