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Summit focuses on toilet issues

About 250 experts specializing in architecture, environmental planning and public hygiene from eight countries attended the 2003 World Toilet Summit yesterday to discuss the ways of constructing ecologically friendly and ergonomic public toilets, as well as the impacts of toilets on tourism.

The summit, held at the Taipei Howard International House, was hosted by the Taiwan Toilet Association and the Japan Toilet Association.

"People have been seeking a better quality of life for hundreds of years. And toilets that allow us to respond to the most direct and urgent need in life indicate the progress of a region or a country," said summit convener and chairman of the Taiwan Toilet Association, Wu Ming-hsiu (吳明修).

"Using the concept of protecting global ecology, the summit aims to discuss how to construct and design toilets that look after both human needs and environmental protection."

There were four topics up for discussion at the summit: how to build and maintain toilets in mountains where there is no electricity and water; how to construct toilets in sightseeing spots utilizing the ideals of cleanliness and comfort; how to construct "next-generation toilets" disposing waste without contaminating the environment; and how to build toilets according to the ideals of sustainable use and ecological sanitation.

"Toilet issues are not filthy or taboo anymore," Wu said. "Actually, the study of toilets involves sociology, psychology, public health, medical science and architecture. It impacts on future generations' health and sanitation."

Wu, a professor of the department of architecture at the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, last year designed three public toilets at Yangmingshan, utilizing the ideas of humanization and ecology.

The functions of toilets in sightseeing spots were also explored during the summit.

"Not many people regard toilets as a significant contributor to boosting a country's tourism," said Francisco Bernardo III, the president of the Restroom Association of the Philippines.

"But, in fact, the first impressions of a country by foreign travelers begins with the restrooms in the airport and then continues to tourist spots."

Bernardo said that toilets that are pleasant and convenient are important because they indicate a nation's level of culture, breeding and the importance they attach to visitors.

Jack Sim, the president of the Restroom Association in Singapore said the association has been promoting "the Happy Toilet Program" in Singapore, aiming to implement a grading system that affords people their basic right to use clean and healthy public toilets.
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