Short Wave How Infectious Disease Shaped American Bathroom Design
Apr 23, 2020
Elizabeth Yuko, a bioethicist and journalist specializing in infectious diseases, dives into how these diseases have influenced bathroom design in America. She discusses the evolution from outdoor toilets to modern hygiene-focused spaces, emphasizing how public health concerns have historically shaped materials and layouts. Yuko also speculates on innovations prompted by the current pandemic, such as the rise of handwashing vestibules and the acceptance of bidets, showcasing a shift towards greater hygiene and accessibility.
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Hidden Toilets
- Early indoor toilets were often disguised with ornate wooden boxes.
- This design aimed to hide the toilet's function and uphold Victorian-era sensibilities.
Sanitation Shift
- The shift from ornate, wooden bathroom fixtures to enamel-covered ones reflected changing hygiene practices.
- Germ theory prompted the need for easily cleanable surfaces, replacing fussy Victorian décor.
Tuberculosis and Design
- Tuberculosis sanatoriums, designed for rest and fresh air, influenced bathroom design.
- The sterile, white aesthetic of these healing environments became popular in homes.