Project in Detail
Public Restroom
Austin, United States of America
Miró Rivera Architects
2008
World Architecture Festival 2008 - Shortlisted
Paul Bardagjy - Paul Bardagjy Photography
The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is a linear park of scenic trails and landscaping that winds its way along the banks of the Colorado River directly through downtown Austin. The park, very popular among runners and bike riders, provides residents and visitors with a rural escape in an urban setting. The Restroom -the first public restroom built in the park in over 30 years- was built by the Town Lake Trail Foundation, a community-based non-profit organization, in partnership with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department.
The Restroom was conceived as a sculpture in a park, a dynamic object along the active trails. It consists of forty-nine 3/4" thick vertical Corten steel plates whose width and height vary significantly in size, from 1'-0" wide by 1'-6" high to 2'-0" wide by 13'-0" high. The panels are arranged forming a spine that coils at one end to form the restroom walls. The plates are staggered in plan to control views and to allow penetrating light and fresh air. Both the door and roof were fabricated from 3/4" thick steel plates as well.
The restroom is handicapped accessible and, in addition to a commode, urinal, sink and bench inside, it includes a drinking fountain and shower outside. The restroom requires minimal overall maintenance: all of the plumbing fixtures are made out of a heavy duty stainless steel, there is no need for artificial light or mechanical ventilation inside and the Corten steel panels will weather naturally over time.
Lead Architect »
Miró Rivera Architects
Professional Credits »
Architect
Mr Miguel Rivera
Miró Rivera Architects
United States of America
512-477-7016
miguel@mirorivera.com
Civil Engineer
Mr Dan Samson
Murfee Engineering
United States of America
512-327-9204
Client / Developer
Mrs Susan Rankin
Town Lake Trail Foundation
United States of America
info@townlaketrail.org
Foundation and Utilities
City of Austin Parks and Recreation Dept.
United States of America
Plumbing
John Duke Plumbing
United States of America
Signage
Austin Architectural Graphics
United States of America
Steel Fabrication and Erection
Construction Metal Products
United States of America
Structural Engineer
Mr Chuck Naeve
Architectural Engineers Collaborative
United States of America
512-472-2111
Survey
Capital Survey Company
United States of America
Supplier / Product Credits »
Corten Steel
Construction Metal Products
United States of America
Mr Bob Duda