Jungle on the Wall Family Washroom | Uro Design Concepts

In the past, restrooms in shopping malls were typically categorized as separate facilities for men and women. However, over time, it has become increasingly common to see combinations of moms and sons, dads and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren taking care of each other. This has created a social issue regarding how to address restroom usage in such situations. Recently, we have created the first family restroom in China with cross-gender functionality. Taking into consideration the complexities of adults assisting children in using the toilet and washing hands, as well as multiple adults taking care of children, we provide waiting areas, mother and baby spaces, and storage areas for strollers. We are committed to providing more convenient and user-friendly services for families on the go.

JUNGLE ON THE WALL:

The project is located in a shopping mall primarily catering to young families, surrounded by a large number of essential residential properties. Different varieties of plants are planted in various areas within the mall. Therefore, in this vibrant space, we have adopted the aesthetic concept of "jungle on the wall" By placing green plants on the walls and carefully selecting and arranging them with different colors, shapes, and sizes, as well as integrating them with the surrounding spatial experience, we aim to achieve a better aesthetic effect. The moss and epiphytic plants on the walls, the mosaic tiles in grassy colors, and the smooth and gentle curved designs create a feeling of being carried in a sky city, where one can reach out and touch the green ocean below.

We have chosen numerous epiphytic plants. Epiphytic plants grow on the surface or nearby other plants, relying on the host plant to provide the necessary nutrients for survival. They often germinate and develop from seeds. The selection of epiphytic plants not only conveys the relationship between humans and nature but also highlights the relationships and interactions among the plants themselves. By combining with the overall design expression, it symbolizes the parent-child relationship and emphasizes the theme of companionship between adults and children.

PARENTS WAITING:
At the entrance, there is a surrounding circular seating arrangement enclosed by woven vines. The vines create a wrapping effect that encompasses the entire resting area, with its texture and colors complementing the overall ambiance. This space serves as a temporary parking spot for strollers, allowing parents to take a break and alleviate fatigue during shopping. Additionally, the area is equipped with charging sockets. Apart from its practical function, this space also serves as a beautiful landscape feature.

BASIN FOR FAMILY:

In many public restroom facilities, although the height of children's dedicated faucets has been lowered, the vertical distance is still too wide, making it difficult for children to easily turn the faucet on and off. Therefore, we have implemented some specially designed measures by moving the faucet from the front to the side, making it more convenient to use and improving efficiency.

Furthermore, traditional public restrooms often place children's sinks at the far left or right ends, separating the handwashing areas for children and adults. However, we have integrated them into a "one big, one small, one left, one right" design. By allowing parents to accompany their children, they are more motivated and attentive to complete the handwashing task properly, helping to instill good hygiene habits. Additionally, with children always within the parents' line of sight, it becomes easier to monitor and ensure their safety. From a business perspective, children often have difficulty controlling their behavior, and they may wet the floor or walls during the handwashing process, disturb others, and create hygiene and safety issues. If parents can assist them in handwashing, these issues can be effectively addressed.

BABY CARE ROOM:
In the center of the restroom, there is a large-scale nursing room designed in a circular layout, creating a convenient pathway that eliminates the awkwardness and inconvenience of searching for baby care facilities within the restroom. This nursing room is not just a separate room; it is a fully independent functional area that includes a diaper changing station, a breastfeeding area, and a washing area.

FAMILY SUIT:

We have primarily designed two types of suites in the restroom. One is a standard suite that includes toilets for adults and children, as well as a baby chair. The other is a multifunctional suite that includes urinals and a diaper changing station. The doors are labeled with gender-neutral restroom signs, providing a more private space for people of different genders. A range of smart design features and unique functionalities better cater to the needs of cross-gender families when traveling with children. The walls of the restroom also adhere to the concept of "living walls," with decorations of evergreen plants, adding a touch of nature and vitality to this family-friendly restroom, creating a sense of tranquility and relaxation. While enjoying the convenience of restroom services, visitors can also have a pleasant parent-child experience and feel the warmth and care of love.

Project Name | Jungle on the Wall Family Washroom
Project Location | Shanghai, China
Chief Designer | Ying Zhang
Interior Design | Mingzhi Chen、Jinzhou Wu、Guosheng You、Jun Wu
Client | Shanghai Vanke Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Area | 300sqm
Lighting design | RDesign International Lighting
Photography | STUDIO Q