By Emily Byun
Starting from childhood, we cherish the idea of a clean bathroom, whether through the joy of a refreshing bath or relieving ourselves in the comfort of our home. Yet, beyond private spaces, New Yorkers and pedestrians struggle to find dignified places for personal relief and bathing. Studies reveal a stark reality – only one public bathroom exists for every 6,000 New Yorkers, ranking NYC the 93rd worst among the largest U.S. cities in public bathrooms per capita. This makes bathroom accessibility a paid privilege with individuals often purchasing an overpriced water bottle for restroom access or resorting to public urination. The privatization of restrooms is especially stark for unhoused New Yorkers whose attempt to relieve themselves is often criminalized, and yet where are they supposed to go?
Beyond toilet usage, bathing too has evolved into a highly commercialized venture. During the 19th century, tenement apartments underscored the need for bathhouses due to a lack of hot water in many buildings. These public bathhouses became vital third places, where generations mingled to soak and converse. Sadly, only a handful of such historical places remain, their existence reshaped mainly by the AIDS Epidemic in the 1980s and now are characterized by ongoing inflated prices.
What would wider access to all facets of bathroom facilities involve? Given the daily necessity of using toilets, bathing, and the need to conserve precious resources, how can we create environments that prioritize accessibility, sustainability, and human connection?
Shaping the Contemporary City @ Pratt Institute
