'Toilet revolution' moving forward in Hangzhou

"I've always been interested in the cultural tourism industry, and I noticed that public restrooms in this sector presented a particularly pronounced pain point. Compared to public toilets in more developed countries, there's still a significant gap in both standards and maintenance quality. Additionally, public restrooms are physical spaces where people gather, offering a lot of future potential. That's why I decided to focus on public restrooms as a startup," Zhao said.

To excel in this field, Zhao and his Lansing team conducted extensive research, examining dozens of exemplary public restroom designs in China and abroad. They visited well-known restrooms such as those in Shenzhen's Lianhuashan Park, as well as many in Japan and Australia. The team didn't just focus on architectural styles but also studied the materials used, drainage solutions, and daily cleaning protocols. They paid close attention to how maintenance staff carried out their tasks, looking at how top-notch restrooms are managed and maintained.

In 2018, the Lansing team's first project was completed on Su Causeway. They believed that public restrooms should be thoughtfully designed and visually pleasing. Moreover, they concentrated on how to create a human-centered restroom that addressed common issues like unpleasant odors.

"We start by designing restrooms with a focus on separating wet and dry areas. We also integrate ventilation systems into the architecture, incorporating vents into the walls and adding transom windows at higher points to facilitate airflow. This creates a downward-to-upward air circulation system. Additionally, we install odor-neutralizing devices and fragrances to keep the air fresh. We also require our management team to conduct deep cleanings daily, using high-pressure water hoses to clean areas prone to dirt and grime buildup. There's a lot we can do to address the issue of bad odors," Zhao said.