Flush! Modern Toilet Design [Hardcover]

Ingrid Wenz-Gahler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3764371803 | ISBN-13: 978-3764371807 | Publication Date: February 10, 2001 | Edition: 1

There may be no more conspicuous sign of luxury (some might say decadence) than an over-the-top design of that most utilitarian of spaces, the lavatory. Restaurants, hotels, clubs, and similar clients have increasingly seen the restroom as a manifestation of corporate culture and an expression of their attitude toward customers or employers, as well as an easy buzz generator. Flush! is a book for anyone with more than a mere passing interest in concepts for comfort when nature calls, and includes over 40 examples of innovative design for washrooms and a survey of the latest trends in restroom design. An introduction with examples from history—including film, art, and literature—provides an entertaining introduction to the culture of the lavatory.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this unusual ode to the commode, Wenz-Gahler contends that since the economic boom of the 1980s, restrooms have become more inviting. Complete with hundreds of color photos, featuring washrooms in cafés and restaurants as well as hotels and administration buildings, this book addresses the design behind some of the most unique bathrooms around the world. The restrooms of Amsterdam's Supperclub, for example, are designed completely in black with light illuminating only its stainless steel toilets, urinals and wash basins. The lavatories in this club are meant to be meeting places, so instead of mirrors, the designers created windows "through which guests can espy potential partners." In contrast, the Torre della Sassella in Sondrino, Italy, an 18th-century lookout tower that has been converted into a restaurant, incorporates its wash basins into the rocky walls and maintains its mystical, medieval character by using natural lighting. Wenz-Gahler weaves informational tidbits throughout the book-readers learn, for instance, that as early as 2500 BC various cultures were disposing of bodily fluids using toilet-like inventions and that the U.S. is a member of the World Toilet Organization-but the sometimes blurry, too-small pictures don't do justice to these artistic designs. However, the sheer inventiveness of these creations, combined with the book's fun trivia and emphatic title, make it a perfect bathroom read.
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 140 pages
• Publisher: Birkhäuser Architecture; 1 edition (February 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3764371803
• ISBN-13: 978-3764371807
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,805,288 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not modern toilet rooms here!, August 17, 2005

By 

G. Alonso (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flush! Modern Toilet Design (Hardcover)

I was very disappointed with the book. The best picture is of the cover. If you like 80's design, this is the book for you.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, February 10, 2007

By 

Pen-Deco "Pen-Deco" (MAMARONECK, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Flush! Modern Toilet Design (Hardcover)

The Book is disappointing in many ways.
First, the Photo and paper stock are terrible.
The photos are printed poorly on rough stock, and the Designs leave alot to be desired.
Try another Flush.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Big disappointment, November 15, 2005

By 

Christopher K. Seid (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Flush! Modern Toilet Design (Hardcover)

Wasted my money on this one. I have the same comments as the other reviewer. The pictures are old. Or maybe the book is printed on cheap paper, becuase all the pictures look faded out. Definitely a let down. Still trying to find a book on the coolest bathrooms, loos. (Anyone been to the Penisula Hotel, Hong Kong? Their top-floor bar designed was designed by Philip starck...what an awesome loo. You are like peeing over the whole city)