Urinal etiquette explained
The Limits of Architectural Protection Across a Shared Boundary
QUESTION 15/20
The same partition can support different decisions in different occupancy patterns. Its value must be assessed alongside the possibility of standing farther away.
The situation
Classic Marble · Entrance: Lower right.
| Position | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ordinary visitor |
| 2 | Available |
| 3 | Available |
| 4 | Large visitor |
| 5 | Available |
| 6 | Available |
Protective partition: 3–4.
Recommended position: 6
The partition-side temptation
The ordinary visitor occupies one and the substantial visitor four. The partition between three and four makes three look attractive, but it leaves the player immediately beside the substantial visitor. A screen changes visual exposure; it does not create an empty interval in that location.
Distance still available
Position six leaves five unused before the substantial visitor and lies well beyond the ordinary visitor. It is also terminal. Position two directly adjoins the ordinary visitor, and five directly adjoins the substantial visitor. The right-hand entrance is lower in the room and does not negate the stronger clearance argument.
Conclusion
Position six is recommended. The purpose of a partition is not to persuade users to abandon space that the architect has already made available to them.
In plain language
Do not hug the screen at three. Six gives you a real gap from the big bloke and an end position as well.