Will a new automated, self-cleaning public restroom system provide relief to Torontonians?
Cities throughout history have made provision for bodily needs, from Rome's public latrines to London's underground "public convenience." However, vandalism, poor maintenance and fear of crime have led most cities to close them. Now Toronto is hoping that contract with a private company to build and maintain automated public toilets will help change public perceptions...and habits. According to the Globe and Mail:
"Most cities don't have nearly enough [public toilets] leaving tourists and residents alike to duck into pubs or even disappear behind a bush. The public toilets that do exist are often filthy, graffiti-stained and prone to vandalism. Nothing tells the [Toronto Transit's] tale of decline and neglect as eloquently as the state of some of its station washrooms. The concrete-floored lavs in our public parks are often even worse.
The automated public toilet, or APT, is an attempt to close the toilet gap."
FULL STORY: Toronto unveils its first automated public toilet
New York City Parks Getting Modular Public Bathrooms
The ‘Portland Loo,’ named after its birth city, is designed to withstand year-round weather and resist vandalism.
Uproar Over San Francisco’s $1.7 Million Toilet
Critics question why a single-toilet public bathroom could cost the city close to $2 million and take two years to build.
Opinion: Keep Public Toilets at L.A. Homeless Encampments
The city is planning to remove the hundreds of public toilets and hand-washing stations installed during the pandemic. But the need for them isn't going away.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
The Tiny, Adorable $7,000 Car Turning Japan Onto EVs
The single seat Mibot charges from a regular plug as quickly as an iPad, and is about half the price of an average EV.
Atlanta Bus System Redesign Will Nearly Triple Access
MARTA's Next Gen Bus Network will retool over 100 bus routes, expand frequent service.
Toronto Condo Sales Drop 75%
In two of Canada’s most expensive cities, more condos were built than ever — and sales are plummeting.
Vehicle-related Deaths Drop 29% in Richmond, VA
The seventh year of the city's Vision Zero strategy also cut the number of people killed in alcohol-related crashes by half.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)