This next story, part 2 of our look at the work of undergraduate researchers, reminds us that the process of finding things out, is not always something you want to discuss in polite company.
But before you accuse us of having a ‘potty mouth’ listen to how this Virginia Tech design major, got the idea for creating greener cleaner bathrooms.
Alexandria Hubbard is a junior in the residential and environmental design program. Last year she did a semester abroad that took her to Morocco.
“The first day in Casablanca we had to go to the bathroom so we went in and the toilet was in the floor. And as you can imagine, day one abroad, my first day outside of American and there’s a toilet in the ground. I have no idea what I’m doing. Do I squat? Do I sit? We don’t know. We’re causing quite a spectacle. All the women around us are like, ‘Have you never used a bathroom before? Like, why are you causing such a scene,?’”
Well, not one like this. Even though it’s common in many parts of the world. As a student of design, Hubbard wanted to know more.
“It’s not like here where I may go up to a buddy and be like, hey, can I see your bathroom and they’ll probably look at me and go alright, that’s a little bizarre but over there it’s really intrusive, and it’s a big breach of privacy so I kind of had to explain it’s not meant in a disrespectful way. I’m here to learn.”
Hubbard studied the structure and design, but she also learned something about, well, the process of elimination.
“In a normal American bathroom, we sit on the toilet. And the squatting position is a lot healthier for you than sitting. You can get hemorrhoids, constipation, pelvic floor issues, all these things that people don’t think of.”
Public radio listeners may be familiar with the ‘Squatty Potty’ that involves a footstool for better potty posture. Hubbard’s design raises the toilet to conventional western height, with a built platform around it allows users to choose their positions.
“I can also understand how some people would have a hard time being able to squat when they’re not used to that. So I did want to incorporate the squatting toilet in a way that Americans we be able to do both, you have that options. You can sit, you can squat.”
Another thing she noticed in Moroccan restrooms is tile, brightly colored tile all over the floors, walls, - everywhere.
“When you go into an American bathroom, your standard everyday bathroom, you see a lot of paint. There could be tiles in the shower, a decorative border maybe, but there’s a lot of paint. And after a while, not only is it going to peel and start to look bad, but it’s what’s behind that the drywall—the mold, the mildew. It’s very unhealthy, the air quality, it’s a huge issue.”
Hubbard challenges the idea that tiles are too expensive. She designed a new model for a bathroom with these features she says can be done at virtually any price point. It also includes using gray water from the bathroom sink to flush the toilet. Something that’s been slow to catch on in the U.S. but research shows it works well around the world.
“When you think of research you don’t think of this. The first thing on your mind is not bathrooms. We have research, it’s just not as commonly seen.”
Hubbard hopes to put her research findings to work, transforming American bathrooms with a career in home remodeling.
“The dream job is being able to say ‘move that bus’ on Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. But until that day comes…”
Hubbard is in talks with bath and kitchen company Koehler about collaborating on a new type of bathroom fixture.
