Puerto Rico – Designer Reily Joel Calderón Rivera has envisaged more inclusive public bathrooms for the University of Puerto Rico.
The conceptual space champions protection, defence and deliberation within the LGBT+ community, using intelligent architectural design to promote relaxation and freedom. Designed as a form of protest against the university’s controversial history among marginalised groups, the space features a variety of inclusive elements, such as nooks for exploring gender performativities.
Described as a ‘protective wall’, the space is designed to protect the people inside, as well providing terraces for transgender people to sunbathe and a social media observation tower allowing people to seek transphobic online activity.
As heteronormativity loses its default position, architects are experimenting with spatial design to empower marginalised groups. For more, explore the rise of Kink Architecture in Pleasure Revolution.