Longpan and Baisha Public Toilet Architecture Design in Kenting Honored with the German iF Design Award
The architectural design of the Longpan and Baisha public toilets in Kenting has recently been recognized with the prestigious iF Design Award from Germany, often regarded as the “Oscars” of the design industry.
Since its establishment in 1954, the German iF Design Award has been widely recognized as a symbol of exceptional design achievements globally.
It is the oldest and most influential design competition in history.
The construction of the Longpan and Baisha public toilets by the Kenting National Park Management Office has received this esteemed award for the year 2022. The award ceremony were scheduled to take place in Germany on May 16th of 2022.
This project involves the design of two public restrooms in the Kenting National Park, located in the eastern and western corners of the Hengchun peninsula. Both buildings provide plenty of shade. They are spaciously laid out, from the entrance doors to the skylights and the horizontal windows near the ceiling. That ensures good ventilation and an abundance of natural light. The lighting design is as discreet as possible to enable star watching. Indirect lighting is used throughout the project so people can see well at night but with minimum light pollution to the surroundings.
Addressing the Inconvenience of Toilet Facilities for Tourists
Longpan Park and Baisha Recreation Area, located in the eastern and western peninsulas of the Kenting National Park, attract numerous visitors due to their unique natural landscapes. However, the lack of suitable public toilets nearby posed a challenge.
In response, the Kenting National Park Management Office commissioned architect Lin Yizhang’s firm to design restroom facilities that would blend seamlessly with the environment while catering to the needs of women, children, and people with disabilities.
The construction began in October 2020, and the public toilets were officially opened in mid-June 2021.
Design Considerations that Blend with the Environment
The Longpan Public Toilet takes inspiration from the local stone caves, incorporating the sunrise and sunset views into the architectural framework.
The building harmoniously integrates with the Longpan Grassland, maintaining a low-key and natural appearance. On the other hand, the Baisha Public Toilet, located near the beaches of the West Coast, adopts the concept of beach pebbles.
The two buildings intertwine like white stones, while the design concept emphasizes the preservation of setback spaces and coexistence with existing trees, highlighting the principles of sustainable environmental utilization.
To ensure brightness and safety indoors, as well as a balance of low light pollution outdoors, indirect lighting was employed. This not only provides sufficient indoor lighting but also reduces the impact of building lighting on the nighttime environment.
The Kenting National Park Management Office stated that as the authority responsible for architectural management within the Kenting National Park, they have taken the lead in implementing architectural concepts that prioritize ecological consciousness.
They hope to serve as an example and guide, promoting the integration of buildings within the park with the surrounding natural environment. They also encourage visitors to maintain cleanliness and respect when using these two beautifully designed public toilets.