Especially after coming from a Wits University where someone decided that it would be more practical to make all the newer buildings out of pre-cast concrete blocks then leave them unpainted for that… grey look. I for one love the colour grey but the effects of the overkill phenomenon definitely shine through at the end of the day.
Returning to my story.
After marveling over the architecture at UKZN and actually using the place, one quickly realises that said buildings designer wasn’t all that good at designing practical toilets. Let me outline what I have to go through every time I wish to relieve myself at the office.
See it yet? no... scroll down
Yes, the dolt that designed this cubicle
forgot that people (most people) HAVE LEGS!
So it’s basically impossible to get in or out of the cubicles without touching a manky surface. But wait, it gets worse… These toilets use a pressurized cistern flushing system. To those unfamiliar with the system, it makes use of pressurized water to flush excrement and save many litres of water compared to a regular (gravity) cistern. Unfortunately saving water comes at a very high price to cubicle users as flushing is quite explosive and water splashes out of the bowl (which I point out in the first picture...has no seat-cover!) I've tried my best to illustrate the problem with the doodle below.
There is quite simply no space to do ANYTHING. To avoid the splash, you flush then retreat to behind a closed door, wait patiently for the flush to end (4-10 seconds, it varies). You then need to get out of the cubicle. To do so without brushing against any surfaces you must stand and balance precariously on the edge of the bowl whilst simultaneously opening the door. You then jump off the seat to freedom (and hope nobody sees you)
Alternatively squish yourself into the 'safe zone' when opening the door. Unfortunately this area is so small that the margin of error when you position yourself is non-existent and your back will brush against the wall on your way out.
Why oh why didn't they just make the doors open outward...
5 comments:
that's just like the girls toilets in the matrix! which is why I wuld rather leave and go to another building to find a bathroom...
aaaaaaaaaaaaahahaha omg eebee you crack me up
you should see JAPANESE toilets. omg, they are like space ships the number of buttons they have. and some speak to you. i shalt take a picture!
Manky - not cool - but come over to Korea and it's a whole new ball game. The 'squat' has been quite something to get used to.
wow technology in the toilet! i'd love to see that.
are you referring to those tiolets that look like a keyhole in the floor Jules. they are aweful to use i still can't quite figure them out to be honest.
yes, eebee, we use the key-hole toilets. Will take a picture soon! The worst part about it, is that they don't flush their paper. They have OPEN bins next to the squatter for the paper, and these are generally at or beynd overflow level. gggguuurrrooossseee! Anyway, just thought I'd add my bit. You've inspired me to consider a toilet blog post myself...won't be any match for yours though. PS. I love th doodle diagrams, BRILLIANT!
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