Research on the Construction Strategies of Garden-style Public Toilets with Scenic Views

ZHOU Tong; ZHAO Zhihong

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2026.01.003

Abstract：The renewal of stock can provide an opportunity to optimise the construction of public toilets so that they are not merely functional but also enhance the quality of the living space.While public toilet construction in China has progressed in both quantity and quality,research on theory and application remains weak.It is still widely accepted that public toilets are occasionally needed objects.This perception of efficiency isolates and alienates the relationship between people and public toilets.Therefore,public toilet design does not consider smooth interactions with people's daily lives and has certainly never seen public toilets as objects of beauty.Instead of being regarded as necessary but negative spaces,interactive fields should be developed that accommodate daily life.Considering the lack of theoretical research on public toilets and the alienation of the relationship between people and toilets,research on garden-style public toilets could present them as pleasing constructions that suit modern life. This study combines theoretical discussion and case demonstration to explore a new construction mode for public toilets.Firstly,the theory relates to"scenic views"in traditional garden construction.The meaning,mode,and effect of"scenic views"were determined.The results laid a theoretical foundation for analysing practical works associated with public toilets.Secondly,several public toilet facilities located in three basic types of scenic spots and parks in northern and southern regions of China,including landscape parks,cities,and villages,were investigated from the perspectives of"density","winding paths",and"contrasting views",determining commonalities and characteristics of garden-style public toilets.Finally,a construction strategy for garden-style public toilets was proposed based on space and layout,path,and line of sight,as well as visual scenes and experiences. On the one hand,the study elaborates on the connotation and characteristics of garden-style public toilets through other research studies.Garden-style public toilets differ from traditional public toilets in terms of form and experience,and they are also fundamentally distinct from modern-day flowing spaces in terms of techniques and effects.Regarding space and layout,garden-style public toilets differ from traditional,closed public toilets.They are constructed as a whole by decentralised functional units,which dispel the hierarchical spatial order and have the characteristics of compound openness.Regarding the path and line of sight,unlike the stages and purpose uniqueness of traditional public toilets,garden-style public toilets often connect the visual scene with various paths,such as cut-through and loopback,with particular emphasis on interaction with the line of sight.Regarding visual scenes and experiences,garden-style public toilets can also create a scene through elements such as hiding and exposure,light and shade,altitude difference and malposition,thereby creating aperspectival effects and enriching spatial feelings and experiences. On the other hand,garden-style public toilets can be constructed from three perspectives:1)space and layout:scattered layout and leaving spaces;2)path and line of sight:composite path and organisation of visual scenes;3)visual scenes and experiences:forming ambiguous depth by opening,closing,hiding,and exposure.It must be noted that public toilets are functional buildings,so the concept of"scenic views"challenges those constructions that pursue efficiency and easy access.It must balance functionality and aesthetics.The above methods are not indispensable or unique.This study is only expected to provide a reference from the perspective of traditional gardens,changing the concept of daily life,and offering guidance for the design of human settlements.