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October 19, 2025Places of Necessity: Research and Design for NYC Public Restrooms
![Image Courtesy of Soohyun Ahn]()
Image Courtesy of Soohyun Ahn![Image Courtesy of Yutaka Takiura]()
Image Courtesy of Yutaka Takiura![Image Courtesy of Chia-Yi Huang]()
Image Courtesy of Chia-Yi Huang![Image Courtesy of Yutaka Takiura]()
Image Courtesy of Yutaka TakiuraOn October 15, the AIANY Design for Aging committee was pleased to host Margot Kleinman, AIA, Adjunct Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute and her students Soohyun Ahn and Elizabeth Hammett from Pratt Institute School of Design‘s Summer 2025 class “Public Toilets.” This class is a combination of research and design thinking to investigate the public toilet experience, recognizing the opportunity presented by the recently passed Bathroom Bill, which calls for the creation of 2,100 public restrooms in NYC by 2035.
The presentation began with an introduction to public restrooms in New York City, focusing on three key themes: access, equity, and wayfinding. It also featured case studies of modular restroom designs, including the APT, Greeley Square, Throne, and Green Flush. Finally, students presented their design proposals for new restrooms in Central Park incorporating features for rainwater preservation. During the Q&A session, both the speakers and audience emphasized that maintenance is a critical factor to consider.
The event was also recorded and will be available on our website in about 2-3 weeks.
Design for Aging
The AIA New York Design for Aging Committee is dedicated to the needs of the aging population in an urban environment. We explore design issues, develop universal design recommendations, increase public awareness, and educate professionals in various fields, to create a more age-friendly city. We are committed to diversity in all issues, ensuring a profession capable of reaching into constituencies previously underserved and giving agency to issues of inclusion and representation. Please join us as we explore a wider range of options that promote diversity, and have a stronger influence on projects and programs in NYC and beyond.
