Restroom Urbanism

Everyday Architecture for Shared Public Needs

This project is sited at 1808 North Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, a narrow, unused space nestled between an existing building and the elevated Bloomingdale Trail—a popular fitness and biking corridor. The program calls for a rest area that includes six gender-neutral bathrooms, a changing room, outdoor shower facilities, a security office, and a compact observation deck.

The design concept centers on the transformation of a simple house silhouette into a series of varied yet cohesive forms, creating a unified architectural language that blends utility with visual clarity. Materials such as wood and glass are strategically used in the roof structures to balance natural light and shade, ensuring comfort while reducing direct sun exposure. The result is a thoughtful and inviting pause point for trail users that fits seamlessly into its constrained urban context.

This design responds thoughtfully to its narrow site, using a series of simple house-shaped forms to create a compact, welcoming rest area that respects both its urban context and nearby residents. More than just a restroom, the project offers changing rooms, an outdoor shower, a security post, and an observation deck—transforming a utilitarian program into a dignified, multi-functional refuge that supports both trail users and the broader community.