The new logo for Pop up my Bathroom, the award-winning international campaign by the German sanitaryware industry, focuses on the vast amount of freedom today’s consumers have when it comes to planning an individual bathroom: the distinctive “Pop up.” wordmark is made up of 54 cabinets in different colours to create a pixel-like effect.
For children, everyday routines are a framework that gives them a sense of security. However, time passes differently for them than it does for adults. They haven’t yet developed a sense of how fast time passes or its units of measurement; instead, children measure time based on activities and events - even in the bathroom.
Sure: children need contact with dirt and germs to develop a healthy immune system. But in this context, we prefer to think of soil, stroking dogs or contact with peers.In the bathroom, we’d rather have things clean and hygienic – especially in old age, when we don’t want to train our immune system so much as go easy on it.
More than anything else, children need space, safety and security in the bathroom. But they also want to be part of what happens out of their reach. If they are to feel part of things, they need furniture, toilets and washbasins that are in line with their size.
When several people live together, the bathroom becomes a place of communication. Plenty of space and multifunctional elements like walk-in showers or double vanities are a great way of bringing structure to the chaos.
A finely-meshed safety net made up of familiar surroundings, technical equipment and barrier-free housing gives people a sense of security and ease. And that sense of ease should be expressed in the design of the Easy Bathroom too: for all its technical sophistication, it must be simple and intuitive to use as well.
Who hasn’t ever dreamed of gliding gently down a slide and into a big pool? Of hanging gardens, hammocks and swings, of an air mattress floating on blue water? And all without stepping foot outside the front door! If Pippi Longstocking can live in Villa Villekulla with a horse, why not?
Clean water, clear air and the warmth of a summer’s day – that’s true luxury. Many people associate the feeling of being able to let go completely and enjoy the moment with a wonderful holiday experience. Or perhaps ... with a day in the bathroom.
When several people live together, the bathroom becomes a place of communication – especially when it is where several generations begin their day, learn and practise rituals, take care of one another and all have to make compromises in order to get along. As a rule, it usually means couples or families with children, but it could also mean families who live together with care-dependent relatives.
How about a little black number? Or perhaps a classic straight-cut three-piece in white? Maybe combined with a natural shade of brown, or would metal appliqués be better? Seriously, though: even in a bathroom showroom, salesmen sometimes need a keen instinct for fashions and people.
The latest trend developments in bathroom design – that was the main topic at this year’s Pop up my Bathroom Atelier trend forum at the ISH 2015. And as announced, the programme – which was held in two languages – didn’t just provide informative lectures and fascinating panel discussions; it also led to some intense debates and talks that went beyond the scope of the actual presentations.
In the bathroom, sharing playful grooming rituals and daily routines is a way for children to experience the love and care of their family. Besides a safe environment and plenty of space, they need to feel part of what’s happening up where they can’t reach as well.
Pop up my Bathroom, an initiative of the German Sanitary Industry Association (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft e.V. [VDS]) and Messe Frankfurt established in conjunction with the ISH, is an experimental platform for architects, bathroom planners, interior designers and journalists.
