Tag: urinals

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No doubt about it, women have more trouble finding restroom facilities than men.  And, when they do, they often find long lines.

Men, on the other hand, have it easy.  They can find a dark corner, a tree and on the streets of Amsterdam, public urinals.

One particular urinal in Amsterdam is the “go to” place.  A much esteemed latrine, it is located, on the canal, near the building that once housed the new wing of City Hall, thus earning it the name City Hall urinal.

It’s location, however, is not it’s redeeming factor.  The urinal (unbelievably) has earned National Monument status!

Built in 1926, the structure is quite unlike other urinals scattered throughout the city.  Most are plain, silver structures and others resemble large green garbage bins.  What sets this particular urinal apart is that its actually quite attractive, having been designed in accordance with principles drawn from Amsterdamse School of Architecture.

During the era of Amsterdamse School, architects in the Netherlands were experimenting with new forms and developing remarkable designs, which included red brick motifs and elegant, curved facades.  These architects were often involved with municipal projects, many commissioned by Amsterdam’s local government, producing avant-garde residential and public buildings.  Aside from the well known, Het Schip and the Olympic Stadium, the architects worked on civic and utilitarian amenities including bridges, postboxes and yes, public toilets.

Though a small example of the Amsterdamse School’s ideals, the City Hall Urinal captures its essence with its curved western wall and modern statue, fist raised in the air, created by Hildo Krop, one of Amsterdam’s most prominent sculptors. Definitely a must see for architecture aficionados!