Gail Ramster
@gaillyk.bsky.social
Academic Researcher in Inclusive Design @ Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design, Royal College of Art, London.
Runs @toiletmap.bsky.social 🚽. Wrote a book https://tinyurl.com/y3ra4y4f. Also #londoncycling 🚴♀️ and #neighbours 📺
Runs @toiletmap.bsky.social 🚽. Wrote a book https://tinyurl.com/y3ra4y4f. Also #londoncycling 🚴♀️ and #neighbours 📺
There are three refurbished toilets - accessible, unisex and a private staff toilet. The unisex loo had just been vandalised (People!), knocking the hand dryer off the wall. The platform staff seemed pretty frustrated, understandably, so I didn't take a photo, except of the branded paper dispenser.
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
There are three refurbished toilets - accessible, unisex and a private staff toilet. The unisex loo had just been vandalised (People!), knocking the hand dryer off the wall. The platform staff seemed pretty frustrated, understandably, so I didn't take a photo, except of the branded paper dispenser.
It won't be perfect – that's almost impossible, with contrasting needs. The button flush (on the side) looks awkward. The door hook is very high. The mirrors could be confusing. But users will decide. Was the toilet marked as having baby-change? Access is via RADAR lock (staff have a key too)
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
It won't be perfect – that's almost impossible, with contrasting needs. The button flush (on the side) looks awkward. The door hook is very high. The mirrors could be confusing. But users will decide. Was the toilet marked as having baby-change? Access is via RADAR lock (staff have a key too)
There's a full-length mirror, another requirement of the accessible toilet, and three hooks, also contrasting. As well as the accessibility effort, I appreciate the line of Overground orange beveled tiles. Without this, it would be bleak, sterile, and devoid of 160+ years of proud design history.
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
There's a full-length mirror, another requirement of the accessible toilet, and three hooks, also contrasting. As well as the accessibility effort, I appreciate the line of Overground orange beveled tiles. Without this, it would be bleak, sterile, and devoid of 160+ years of proud design history.
There are lots of features required by the accessible toilet to help different needs - lever taps (arm/hand strength), grab rails (stability), single-sheet dispenser (grip), shelf (stoma-friendly), contrasting toilet seat (dementia-friendly), some visual contrast and an alarm cord hanging freely.
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
There are lots of features required by the accessible toilet to help different needs - lever taps (arm/hand strength), grab rails (stability), single-sheet dispenser (grip), shelf (stoma-friendly), contrasting toilet seat (dementia-friendly), some visual contrast and an alarm cord hanging freely.
This is an upgrade to existing loos, adding an accessible toilet. Seven Sisters is not an accessible station, so it's a curious move, but does keep open the option to invest in step-free access in the future. The loo also has space for carers, pushchairs, children and people with mobility aids.
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
This is an upgrade to existing loos, adding an accessible toilet. Seven Sisters is not an accessible station, so it's a curious move, but does keep open the option to invest in step-free access in the future. The loo also has space for carers, pushchairs, children and people with mobility aids.
This #WorldToiletDay, the London Loo Alliance (pictured) @londonlooalliance.bsky.social are checking, one year on, on TfL's commitment to improve toilet access on their network. I joined other members at Seven Sisters Overground Station.
So, how's the loo looking? 🧵
So, how's the loo looking? 🧵
November 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
This #WorldToiletDay, the London Loo Alliance (pictured) @londonlooalliance.bsky.social are checking, one year on, on TfL's commitment to improve toilet access on their network. I joined other members at Seven Sisters Overground Station.
So, how's the loo looking? 🧵
So, how's the loo looking? 🧵
Quite the debate breaking out at Coventry Station ladies toilets.
September 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Quite the debate breaking out at Coventry Station ladies toilets.
Who needs morning cardio over 5 minutes of live TV.
August 1, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Who needs morning cardio over 5 minutes of live TV.
Yeah no can't think of another way you'd move a train engine. @ Walthamstow International
July 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Yeah no can't think of another way you'd move a train engine. @ Walthamstow International
Thank you Bloomsbury @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social, Royal College of Art @royalcollegeofart.bsky.social, Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design for supporting us, and of course Jo-Anne Bichard for suggesting we do this. Seemed like madness to me but we did it! 🏆 I'm delighted 😘
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Thank you Bloomsbury @bloomsburybooksuk.bsky.social, Royal College of Art @royalcollegeofart.bsky.social, Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design for supporting us, and of course Jo-Anne Bichard for suggesting we do this. Seemed like madness to me but we did it! 🏆 I'm delighted 😘
So what’s next for inclusive public toilet design? Our conclusion has our vision for ‘Lootopia’. I know things look bleak, but hey, we all need ‘to go’, and inclusively designed toilets aren’t expensive; the cost is putting in a little more thought. We’re here to help. but you got this 💪
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
So what’s next for inclusive public toilet design? Our conclusion has our vision for ‘Lootopia’. I know things look bleak, but hey, we all need ‘to go’, and inclusively designed toilets aren’t expensive; the cost is putting in a little more thought. We’re here to help. but you got this 💪
In chapter 10 we look at toilets from the provider’s side. Who pays for them, who cleans them, who maintains them. We feature alternative models, like Wolverhampton's WCityStop-info, a council toilet in a retail unit (even if the name seems designed by committee).
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
In chapter 10 we look at toilets from the provider’s side. Who pays for them, who cleans them, who maintains them. We feature alternative models, like Wolverhampton's WCityStop-info, a council toilet in a retail unit (even if the name seems designed by committee).
Do you know someone who enjoys reading articles like ‘towels vs hand dryers: which is best?’. Well do I have good news for you! Chapter 9 - Water and Wellness - will make the perfect gift.
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Do you know someone who enjoys reading articles like ‘towels vs hand dryers: which is best?’. Well do I have good news for you! Chapter 9 - Water and Wellness - will make the perfect gift.
The fact the design of the actual toilet doesn’t feature until chapter 8 tells you why #publictoilets are so fascinating - but we didn't forgot the humble loo. We've packed in details on how to get the toilet (and flushes, bins, grab rails, alarms..) right for standard and accessible loos.
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
The fact the design of the actual toilet doesn’t feature until chapter 8 tells you why #publictoilets are so fascinating - but we didn't forgot the humble loo. We've packed in details on how to get the toilet (and flushes, bins, grab rails, alarms..) right for standard and accessible loos.
Chapter 7, and we’re in the cubicle. Looking to design an inclusive toilet cubicle? Wondering what the means for the walls, floors, doors, hinges, locks, shelves and hooks? Look no further. #inclusivedesign #publictoilet #toilet
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Chapter 7, and we’re in the cubicle. Looking to design an inclusive toilet cubicle? Wondering what the means for the walls, floors, doors, hinges, locks, shelves and hooks? Look no further. #inclusivedesign #publictoilet #toilet
In Chapter 6 we look at public toilets from the outside: the siting, the lighting, and the parking. The most inclusive toilet in the world will still fall short if the road outside is dangerous or the signage is missing or the bus stop is too far or there is nowhere to park.
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
In Chapter 6 we look at public toilets from the outside: the siting, the lighting, and the parking. The most inclusive toilet in the world will still fall short if the road outside is dangerous or the signage is missing or the bus stop is too far or there is nowhere to park.
Next, we begin our journey to the loo. Where should toilets be, and how do we find them? Chapter 5 also includes the time my son waded into a thousand years of female oppression with the comment ‘why does the woman only have one leg?’
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Next, we begin our journey to the loo. Where should toilets be, and how do we find them? Chapter 5 also includes the time my son waded into a thousand years of female oppression with the comment ‘why does the woman only have one leg?’
We give you a brief how-to guide to #inclusivedesign in chapter 3, before chapter 4 builds the case for public toilets. #Toilets need to meet our body’s needs, in comfort, safety and dignity. They also support our mind’s needs; as the only private space in public life.
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
We give you a brief how-to guide to #inclusivedesign in chapter 3, before chapter 4 builds the case for public toilets. #Toilets need to meet our body’s needs, in comfort, safety and dignity. They also support our mind’s needs; as the only private space in public life.
Jo-Anne and I have been researching public toilet design for most of the 21st Century, so we start by summarising the progress (and problems) from the previous hundred years. This includes ‘non-toileting behaviour’, aka “sex, drugs and rockin’ the bowl” (that’s vandalism).
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Jo-Anne and I have been researching public toilet design for most of the 21st Century, so we start by summarising the progress (and problems) from the previous hundred years. This includes ‘non-toileting behaviour’, aka “sex, drugs and rockin’ the bowl” (that’s vandalism).
My book is published today 📚. It’s called Designing Inclusive Public Toilets: Wee the People, written with @jo-anneb.bsky.social. It’s part inclusive design guide, part manifesto for better public toilets 🚽. Buy copies for all your friends! 🎁. Here’s what you’ll find inside 🧵
June 26, 2025 at 12:26 PM
My book is published today 📚. It’s called Designing Inclusive Public Toilets: Wee the People, written with @jo-anneb.bsky.social. It’s part inclusive design guide, part manifesto for better public toilets 🚽. Buy copies for all your friends! 🎁. Here’s what you’ll find inside 🧵
Wrong page. The Good Law project - and I - are talking about the clarification here.
June 19, 2025 at 7:09 AM
Wrong page. The Good Law project - and I - are talking about the clarification here.
Crossing West Ave bridge in Walthamstow is to view the next scene in a ten-year conversation between the local taggers and whoever it is who has fifty shades of grey (paint).
June 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Crossing West Ave bridge in Walthamstow is to view the next scene in a ten-year conversation between the local taggers and whoever it is who has fifty shades of grey (paint).
At City Hall with @londonlooalliance.bsky.social to see @carolinerussell.bsky.social’s motion. She asks the Mayor to write to government so councils have a duty to provide toilets with extra ringfenced funds - London Assembly gives unanimous support!
June 5, 2025 at 1:47 PM
At City Hall with @londonlooalliance.bsky.social to see @carolinerussell.bsky.social’s motion. She asks the Mayor to write to government so councils have a duty to provide toilets with extra ringfenced funds - London Assembly gives unanimous support!
“32 Magic stars” is as close to a realistic portion guide as ever I’ve seen.
April 25, 2025 at 8:16 PM
“32 Magic stars” is as close to a realistic portion guide as ever I’ve seen.