Universal Public Toilet has been constructed at Patan Dhoka with a joint effort form Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA), and Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC). Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC) Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan inaugurated the Universal Public Toilet on Tuesday, 30th December. Universal Public Toilet is an esteemed project managed and completed the Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA), with financial support from the Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA) and Land support by the Lalitpur Metropolitan City (LMC). The project was envisioned CASIA Pat-President Ar. Tan Pei Ing ang the then ACSR Chaiman Ar. Joseph Kwan during the 17th ARCASIA Forum 2013 in Kathmandu that was hosted by SONA’s 10th Executive Committee led by President Ar. Swarup Gurung Koney. The design for the Universal Public Toilet was chosen through an international design competition, which was won by Ar. Neeraj Maharjan.
This public toilet is based on Universal design making it easily accessible to all people regardless of their age, sex, ability or disability. During the inauguration ceremony Ar. Neeraj Maharjan also explained the design concept. As per him the design of the Toilet has glimpses of vernacular Newa Architecture styles (bricks texture, slope roofs, rectangular and rounded forms) but at the same time doesn’t resemble traditional houses, palaces and temples to avoid confusion regarding the outlook. He further added that major design features were the metal band support which gives the glimpse of wooden strut, regular circular plan, cylindrical form to give prominent form as main entrance and cut out at the ceiling for ventilation and daylight. Apart from these architectural features the Universal Public Toilet has also added various sustainable aspects.
In the program, LMC Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan expressed his joy in completion of the project. He also praised the design of the Universal Toilet and said he wish to replicate the model in other sites at LMC. He also spoke highly about the contribution of Architects in the society and expressed in interest in collaborating with Society of Nepalese Architects (SONA) for various other projects in the future.
