New Restroom Appears to Float in the Air

Many people dread entering public restrooms, a feeling that is shared in Japan where public toilets are perceived to be dark and dirty places to be avoided. Tokyo city leaders established the Tokyo Toilet Project to dispel this notion by coming up with artfully-designed restrooms, European Cleaning Journal reports.

A cube-shaped public restroom that appears to hover above the ground is the project’s newest creation. Located in Tokyo’s Sendagaya Station, the concrete structure has an open space at its base, which gives the structure its floating appearance. A glowing light reveals the building’s hidden support when it is viewed at night.

The restroom also features a welcoming interior with brass signs, solid wooden doors, and a long skylight which creates dramatic shadows.

The Tokyo Toilet Project will eventually result in 17 public restrooms designed by top architects. The first restroom created under the project was opened in August 2020 and features transparent outer walls that gives visitors a clear view of the interior so they know it is safe to enter. After they go inside and lock the door, the walls turn opaque for privacy.