Women’s Urinal Appears… Revolutionizes Waiting Lines
During the golden holiday season, many might have been baffled by the long lines at women's restrooms in tourist spots or shopping malls.
A revolutionary solution that drastically reduces waiting times for women's restrooms has garnered global attention. It is the women's urinal called 'Lapee.'
Architects Gina Perrie and Alexander, who had to endure long lines at festival venues, considered a structural solution for women who either couldn't access restrooms or had to find unsanitary locations, leading to the creation of Lapee.
According to its official website, Lapee is designed to accommodate the squatting position of women, unlike traditional male urinals, and can be used by three individuals at once. Although it doesn't have a door, the curved wall structure completely blocks outside view, ensuring privacy, and aligns the user’s eye level with that of standing individuals to provide psychological comfort.
The design consists of only two parts, making it easy to transport, install, and store, and the automatic ventilation system ensures easy cleaning. Since it doesn’t use water, it is environmentally friendly, made from recyclable materials, which also helps reduce maintenance costs and waste generation.
Lapee is currently being used by many women at major festivals and municipalities in Northern Europe.
Meanwhile, in 2021, graduates Amber Robyn and Hazel McShane from the University of Bristol proposed a similar women's urinal called 'Peequal' as an alternative option for those who only wish to urinate.
They also focused on the reality that women wait up to 34 times longer than men at music festival venues and developed a design without a door, allowing for use in a squatting position.
They explained that not having to sit on a toilet is more hygienic, and the reduction in the time spent opening and closing doors can cut waiting times by up to six times.
With its sleek design and practicality, it has been praised for its potential use in public places and festival environments, even winning a startup competition.
Image source: instagram 'lapee_dk'
