Discovered in NYC: Autonomous Toilet Pods Dubbed 'Bog Apple'
In a bid to improve public sanitation and address the long-standing issue of limited public toilets in crowded urban areas, the city of New York is introducing modular public restrooms designed by Portland-based company, Madden Fabrication. These modern, stainless-steel units, known as Portland Loos, have already been installed in over 250 locations across the United States and are now making their debut in New York City.
One such unit has been set up in Bronx's Joyce Kilmer park, just two blocks from Yankee Stadium. The Portland Loos units, which cost approximately $200,000 each, are part of the city's trial run for new public bathrooms. New York has pledged to build 49 new public bathrooms by 2029 and renovate 36 existing sites, with a total investment of $150 million.
The Portland Loos are renowned for their versatile and city-proof design, which has earned them a cult following. They are designed with a focus on durability, ease of cleaning, safety, and accessibility, making them ideal for dense city areas like East Harlem. The units feature a basin placed outside the booth to keep people moving and avoid a "hotel effect."
Street photographer Elijah Dominique, who resides near Joyce Kilmer park, emphasized the importance of public bathrooms for homeless individuals in the area. He noted that public bathrooms are essential for preventing waste on sidewalks. Lifelong Bronx resident Carlos Lopez also highlighted discrepancies in public restroom access between lower-income and wealthier neighborhoods.
The installation of the Portland Loos units in Joyce Kilmer park has drawn interest from bystanders, including one man who accidentally activated the hand dryer outside a unit. The city's decision to install these units is part of a broader effort to improve public sanitation by adding convenient and reliable facilities in crowded urban environments.
With New York's current public convenience count at approximately 1,100 for its 8.4 million people, the Portland Loos are expected to play a significant role in expanding public toilet availability by 2035. The city has ordered five trial units of Portland Loos with a higher grade of stainless steel and modifications to meet strict planning rules.
As the city combats the lack of public toilets, the Portland Loos are providing high-quality, strategic, and long-term sanitation infrastructure to areas where public toilets are otherwise limited, thereby supporting public health and convenience for residents and visitors alike.
Investing in high-quality public bathrooms like the Portland Loos can potentially improve the lifestyle of city residents by reducing waste on sidewalks and providing essential facilities for homeless individuals. The installation of these units in home-and-garden settings, such as parks, aligns with the city's commitment to enhance public sanitation and address the demand for more accessible and reliable public toilets in crowded urban areas.
