Blurb: Urilift System

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/19/urilift-the-disappearing-public-urinal-and-we-do-mean-public/

      The Urilift system is just one example of contemporary outdoor public latrines which have reached heightened popularity in Europe during recent years.  This system in particular has been designed particularly for its function rather than its form, but that does not mean it was created without aesthetics that are also ergonomically encompassing.  For example, the theme of curved forms and rounded edges appeal to the human form and comfort which is necessary for the Urilift’s users.  

      The Urilift system was created for patrons of local bars in Europe to have a proper place to relieve themselves whilst traveling home at night.  This leads to the systems most unique and functional aspect which is its hydraulic system.  The Urilift remains hidden during the day and normal traffic hours, but every night an attendant lifts it out of the ground by remote to present them to the streets.  This open design remains in slight controversy, but the users who would otherwise use the street are probably not inclined to complain.  

      Some other hidden systems that reveal themselves at nighttime have doors, which have caused more problems than solutions.  Such criminal activities like prostitution and drug dealing have occurred around those less exposed systems.  This lends another unexpected achievement to the open design of the Urilift system, security of equipment.  

      The main material of Urilifts is stainless steel which lends easy maintenance and durability to the system and hinders attempts at vandalism.  Coloring and decoration is sure to change with each location, but the general form is stainless steel which is a simple yet not unbearable way to have a widespread contemporary appeal.  Another functional design element is the systems top covering which is changed from location to location to mimic the street/sidewalk treatment in order to camouflage it.

      According to Urilift BV, the inventors of the Urilift, the system saves money (from prevention of damage to entertainment districts by unruly patrons), conserves water (can function from rainwater), is non-disruptive to local residents and retailers, can function during winter months (from heated pipes), and is easy and quick to install.  Due to the first systems popularity and effectiveness Urilift BV has developed several other systems including one suited for female and male use.  As the Urilift becomes more widespread it is expected to be common sight in many major cities including those in the US and Canada.

Revised Artifacts

Edit: Urilift Public Toilet System material is actually stainless steel, date is 2000, and location is Europe.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/19/urilift-the-disappearing-public-urinal-and-we-do-mean-public/

http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/attachments/powder-keg/32955d1277931031-outhouse-poem-old-outhouse-double-seater.jpg

http://www.jotsandsots.com/Portals/95056/images/green_porta_potty.jpg

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4326340/ns/world_news-weird_news/t/new-way-view-london-toilet/

http://www.toxel.com/tech/2009/05/27/transparent-public-toilets-from-switzerland/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilets_in_Japan

http://findingrest.blogspot.com/2011/04/public-restrooms.html

http://spluch.blogspot.com/2007/06/chongqings-openair-public-toilet.html

http://heritage-key.com/rome/vespasian-roman-emperor-toilets-and-humour

Artifacts

List of current artifacts.

Mosaiko

Portable Toilet

Mirror Toilet

San Raphael™ K3607

Squat Toilet

Henry VIII's Portable Toilet

Chamber Pot

Cleanest Toilet In The World

Roman Public Toilets

JOTJ Thumbnail Sketches

Matthew Weikert - vikert.blogspot.com

Minimalist Poster Idea

For my thoughts on our posters I like the minimalist approach.  The idea is that the signs will get the subject across easily as long as the subject matter is well represented in its minimal representation and that the viewer is somewhat familiar with the subject.  While the subject of these posters are popular movies, our subject should be even more familiar to our viewers.  Therefore I think a simple approach is the best action for showing toilets.  No need to overkill advertising for such a commonly used subject.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/heemaz/4223990012/

http://www.cool-ish.com/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/backstothewall/3581375725/in/pool-87318074@N00/


Matthew Weikert - Vikert.blogspot.com

Exhibit Precedent: National Museum of American History: "The Star Spangled Banner: The Flag That Inspired The National Anthem". Matthew Weikert

http://americanhistory.si.edu/exhibitions/exhibition.cfm?key=38&exkey=70#gallery

I visited this exhibit myself a few weeks ago and the effect they were able to achieve with it is remarkable.  The showcase itself is hidden behind a huge wall, and to protect the flag it is in a very dim room.  The exhibit starts off with pictures, information, some interactive items, and sounds that continue the feeling throughout.  Around a corner you get an amazing look at the flag which has been preserved in a special room behind glass.  After that sight there is an interactive table with tons of information to play with.  The best instance from this exhibit is that from the necessary hiding of the flag a grand surprise element ensues which makes the whole thing stand out from the other exhibits.

3 Artifacts II

http://thestandard.org.nz/the-peer-goes-potty/

This wooden chamber pot shows one of the earliest forms of "indoor plumbing".  With careful binding and some ergonomic design this would be considered a higher end item. 

http://www.ehow.com/info_7995940_cost-effective-replace-old-toilet.html

This toilet is an old example of what we consider the standard today.  Although the general design hasn't changed too terribly much, there is obvious construction and material change.

http://walyou.com/toilet-designs-concepts-geeks/

This toilet dubbed "The Robotic Toilet" is supposedly the future of peoples bathroom needs.  With many high tech functions, but equally high price tags, these toilets may or may not change how we do things in the future.