Public can comment on designs for new S.F. public toilets

San Francisco’s Public Works department is offering the public the chance to weigh in on design proposals for new public toilets and information kiosks.

The 25 green- and goldtrimmed restrooms that dot the city were installed in 1995 and meant to resemble Parisian public commodes. But city officials believe it’s time for an upgrade as it negotiates a new contract with JCDecaux, the outdoor furniture company that designed and services the facilities.

Last year, the city and JCDecaux invited a number of design firms to submit ideas for reimagined commodes, as well as the 114 advertising kiosks that offset the costs of

operating the restrooms.

The competition was judged by a panel of city officials and outside design experts, who whittled the field down to three finalists: SmithGroupJJR, Min Design and Branch Creative.

Through April 30, the public may review the final trio of proposed designs and submit feedback. The designs will be on display through Monday in the groundfloor rotunda of the Main Library in Civic Center.

They’ll also be displayed Wednesday during the weekly farmers’ market in U.N. Plaza. Comment cards may be submitted at the library or by email to beth.rubenstein@sfdpw.org. The deadline is 10 a.m. on April 30.

The winner won’t necessarily be the public’s favorite, however. The jury will take the public’s opinions into consideration, but the final decision rests with the jury comprising representatives from Public Works, the San Francisco Arts Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission and the Port of San Francisco, in addition to the outside experts.

Regardless of what design gets chosen, toilet interiors still will have to be self-cleaning, accessible to the disabled and connected directly to city water, sewer and electrical infrastructure. According to Public Works, JCDecaux would cover the costs of construction, installation and daily maintenance.