The primary goal set for this project was to convert an idea of self-sufficiency and sustainability into a design strategy. As an elaborating on the idea of ‘form follows function’ the concept was to focus on how ‘form follows energy’ as to minimize energy and resource consumption and reuse or recycle resources to its optimum. Our key interest is in how our buildings can be shaped using sustainable techniques, using these strategies throughout the entire design process. As we are working on a public restroom the appropriate emphasis was placed on water, ventilation and light accession. Perhaps the most important in this list is water, something wasted all too often in a restroom, either private or public, as people tent to leave water running wastefully and flush away too much water during bathroom visits. Our strategy for the reduction of water use is to allow for rainwater collection through specially designed vents on the roof that channel in all rainwater and store it for when it is needed. The water is stored in large containers on both sides of the toilets so it can easily be used when there is a need. Regular fixtures provide water when there is no rain or for those wanting to wash their hands in the washroom basins. This is the reason for the sloped roof and sloped walls, to allow water to flow into the holding containers, using gravity as its catching mechanism. The second largest concept that has influenced the design is the use of as much natural light as possible. For this we have installed translucent materials to the façade and to the skylights allowing for daylight to penetrate the interior of all spaces. The skylight uses the same fixture as the rainwater collection, which in turn also serves as a means of natural ventilation, an important aspect of a public toilet as to receive fresh air to vent out air and to prevent mold from forming in a moist environment, a big risk in any place using a lot of water. With these three key topics serving as a fundamental strategy the design concept was formed. http://www.owenarchitects.com