Planning Restrooms in Healthcare, Transportation, and Education Facilities: The Intersection of Accessible and Sustainable Design

Course description

Two of the primary goals at the heart of commercial design are accessibility and sustainability. But the two are not mutually exclusive. Specifying restroom fixtures to meet sustainability goals, such as sinks and sensor-operated faucets, flushometers, soap dispensers, and hand dryers, goes beyond saving water and energy. These products also make restrooms easier to navigate for those with disabilities or mobility issues. 

An additional factor is the specific design, accessibility, and sustainability needs of various vertical markets such as healthcare, transportation, and education. This course will explore how designing commercial restrooms for sustainability intersects with accessible design and ADA standards that architects must be aware of. It will demonstrate the unique needs of different types of commercial buildings and how to design for an inclusive and sustainable built environment in each.

Learning objectives

1. Explore the intersection of accessible and sustainable restroom design and how restrooms that incorporate both can benefit a multitude of users.
2. Examine the unique design needs of the healthcare market when attempting to meet accessibility and sustainability goals in restroom design.
3. Identify accessibility and sustainability considerations for the transportation market and commercial restroom products that meet the needs of the widest number of users. 
4. Understand the distinct challenges of the education market and how to design restrooms that are durable and inclusive. 
5. Discover commercial restroom products that meet ADA standards while saving water and energy.