Finding a free public bathroom in New York is a constant ordeal for many visitors and residents. The lack of accessible facilities led a group of urban planning professionals and citizen volunteers to develop an unprecedented solution: a collaborative digital map that identifies more than 2,000 free toilets in the five districts.
This initiative grew out of the work of Dr. Wansoo Im, Associate Professor of Urban Planning at Rutgers University. As shown The New YorkerThe academic arrived in the city with the aim of solving the historical problem of the lack of designated public baths.
His proposal combined mapping technology with citizen participation. He took the operation of Google Maps as a reference and created NYRestroom.com, an open platform designed for this Any user can provide information.
The project did not take long to expand. Secret New York City He stressed that the map already brings together thousands of geotagged toilets thanks to a process that included city tours, checking access and registering public and private facilities.
There are bathrooms on the platform. Parks, libraries and metro stations With options in cafes, hotels and libraries. There is also a “Hidden Gems” category, which are those sites that are less known but valuable for those who need an urgent fix.
The premise of the project was based on thousands of people adding data. The map lets you apply filters by category, location, and availability, making searching quick, even for those who don’t know the area.
Among all the alternatives available there is the toilet that has achieved international fame: Bryant Park bathroom. It was called “Atlas Obscura”The most elegant in New York“, an unusual case for a free public facility. The Beaux Arts-style building received a nearly $300,000 renovation in 2017 with private financing. Since then, the space has become a landmark.
Its interior has five compartments in total, but it surprises with unusual details: Fresh flowers, selected classical music to set the tone for the visit, works of art Created by artists associated with the park, frosted glass windows gently illuminate the space.
The toilets and accessories belong to the same brand as the Museum of Modern Art, and a team of assistants ensure cleanliness throughout the day. They even suggest that employees visit luxury hotels like the Plaza or Waldorf Astoria to assess standards and improve service.