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research_report_sanjeev-shankar [2008-02-12 12:58] sanjeevwccafe_report [2014-02-21 04:26] (current) nik
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-**====== WcCafe ======**+===== WcCafe Report =====
  
-• //Introduction//+by [[sanjeev shankar]] and [[FoAM]] for the WTO's [[WcCafe]] Jan/Feb 2008 
 + 
 +//Introduction//
  
 Toilets have been a source of taboo, embarrassment and humour in many cultures. This project explores the subject of toilets and defecation and aims to bring it out in the open. The intent is to create a cafe which makes toilet discussion a table discussion, thereby giving it legitimacy. ‘WcCafe’ would serve coffee and snacks in an environment which is beautiful, refreshing and purposeful.  Toilets have been a source of taboo, embarrassment and humour in many cultures. This project explores the subject of toilets and defecation and aims to bring it out in the open. The intent is to create a cafe which makes toilet discussion a table discussion, thereby giving it legitimacy. ‘WcCafe’ would serve coffee and snacks in an environment which is beautiful, refreshing and purposeful. 
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 Third is to act like a catalyst and trigger a sustainable sanitation movement for the 2.6 billion people globally who do not have access to proper sanitation. It would also act like an informal backdrop to lobby for a pro-sanitation movement through its franchise outlets globally. Third is to act like a catalyst and trigger a sustainable sanitation movement for the 2.6 billion people globally who do not have access to proper sanitation. It would also act like an informal backdrop to lobby for a pro-sanitation movement through its franchise outlets globally.
  
-• //brief summary of the cultural, scientific and social context within which the research took place//+//brief summary of the cultural, scientific and social context within which the research took place//
    
 The research started in New Delhi, India and proceeded through follow up exchanges between the design consultant, Sanjeev Shankar; the producer, FoAM, represented by Maja Kuzmanovic and the client, World Toilet Organisation, represented by Jack Sim. Thereafter, the research base shifted to Singapore where we had site-visits and discussions with the client and the target groups. The project has also been benefited by two meetings between the client and the producer in Paris and Dalian, China. The research started in New Delhi, India and proceeded through follow up exchanges between the design consultant, Sanjeev Shankar; the producer, FoAM, represented by Maja Kuzmanovic and the client, World Toilet Organisation, represented by Jack Sim. Thereafter, the research base shifted to Singapore where we had site-visits and discussions with the client and the target groups. The project has also been benefited by two meetings between the client and the producer in Paris and Dalian, China.
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 (2) **Toilet restaurant in Taiwan**: Marton Theme Restaurant, named after the Chinese word "matong" for toilet, opened in May 2004 in Taiwan's second largest city, Kaohsiung. Conceived by Eric Wang, the restaurant displays toilet seats studded with flowers and shells, colourful bathtubs, faucets, mirrors and shower curtains. The unusual theme is proving a draw for customers eager to eat food off plates and bowls shaped like western loo seats as well as Japanese "squat toilets" The restaurant is synonymous with laughter and humour and is all set to expand through a franchise business model. (2) **Toilet restaurant in Taiwan**: Marton Theme Restaurant, named after the Chinese word "matong" for toilet, opened in May 2004 in Taiwan's second largest city, Kaohsiung. Conceived by Eric Wang, the restaurant displays toilet seats studded with flowers and shells, colourful bathtubs, faucets, mirrors and shower curtains. The unusual theme is proving a draw for customers eager to eat food off plates and bowls shaped like western loo seats as well as Japanese "squat toilets" The restaurant is synonymous with laughter and humour and is all set to expand through a franchise business model.
 +
 +{{:wc002.jpg|}}
 +http://www.associatedcontent.com/image/94259/index.html
 +
 This model rates highly from the profitability angle but does not go beyond being a gimmick. It rates poorly on the social responsibility and sustainability pointers and is certainly not different from other theme restaurants globally. However it does bring people’s fascination with the subject of toilets out into the open. This model rates highly from the profitability angle but does not go beyond being a gimmick. It rates poorly on the social responsibility and sustainability pointers and is certainly not different from other theme restaurants globally. However it does bring people’s fascination with the subject of toilets out into the open.
  
 (3) **WC1 on Oxford Street**, London is a ladies luxury toilet and powder room. The environment uses curved pebble walls, rich woods, stone floors and a graphic language which supports the theme. The services offered include de-stressing massages and beauty products. Offered to the public at a price of 1 pound the place ranks favourably with the ladies. (3) **WC1 on Oxford Street**, London is a ladies luxury toilet and powder room. The environment uses curved pebble walls, rich woods, stone floors and a graphic language which supports the theme. The services offered include de-stressing massages and beauty products. Offered to the public at a price of 1 pound the place ranks favourably with the ladies.
 +
 +{{:wc003.jpg|}}
 +www.wc1.co.uk
 +
 The model rates highly from the profitability and service angle. However it fails to go beyond that.  The model rates highly from the profitability and service angle. However it fails to go beyond that. 
  
 (4) **Sketch**, London. A theatrical restaurant cum bar, Sketch is a constantly evolving and changing place which engages the people by offering an atmosphere that combines food with video art and music, complete with a gallery, a lecture room, library, parlour and the glade. It is conceived by French master chef Pierre Gagnaire. (4) **Sketch**, London. A theatrical restaurant cum bar, Sketch is a constantly evolving and changing place which engages the people by offering an atmosphere that combines food with video art and music, complete with a gallery, a lecture room, library, parlour and the glade. It is conceived by French master chef Pierre Gagnaire.
 +
 +{{:wc004.jpg|}}
 +www.sketch.uk.com Photographer_ Rene Chavanne 
 +
 +The image to the left is an interior shot of the toilet in Sketch. 
 +
  
 **Problem/Aim**   **Problem/Aim**  
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 +{{:wc005.jpg|}}
 http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/pasona_o2_urban.php http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/pasona_o2_urban.php
  
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 _ It can also act as a source of revenue for WTO, FoAM and VWO.  _ It can also act as a source of revenue for WTO, FoAM and VWO. 
 +
  
  
 **Methods** **Methods**
    
 +
 //concise description of the way the research has been developed from establishing the problem definition to the final results// //concise description of the way the research has been developed from establishing the problem definition to the final results//
  
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 The research in Singapore was preceded by a visit to the toilet museum in New Delhi and the launch of the film ‘Fecal Attraction’ along with a detailed study by CSE (centre for science and environment) of the sanitation situation in New Delhi. A brief summary of this film and the study has been included in the references list at the end of this report. In Singapore, the focus gradually shifted from analyzing popular public spaces and interesting business models to exploring possible sites for the WcCafe. A brief study of outlets which come closest to the WcCafe concept was carried out and used as a reference to create a strategy for the WcCafe. We realized that though the project has a unique advantage in being the first of its kind there are two issues which have to be carefully looked at. The first and most crucial issue is that of funding. Further discussions brought out the need to create a clear strategy for procuring funds and inviting possible partners/sponsors for this project from the government and private sector. These discussions also resulted in some innovative ways of raising money from interested groups which will be discussed later in this report. Next was the issue of a physical location for the WcCafe. This was crucial for the project as the three models envisioned for the WcCafe must be tested out in a real space. After numerous visits to places in shopping malls, popular markets and streets in Singapore, it was felt that these too should be explored further especially since it is directly dependent on the funding available for the project. It must be noted that, the client, Jack Sim who is also the director of the World Toilet Organization has offered his place as a possible location to launch WcCafe. However these locations are not suited to the launch of WcCafe and it is therefore suggested that other more mainstream locations with a strong possibility of higher footfall be explored for the same. One of the potential places seen for the café was the ‘Highpoint Social Enterprise Ark’ jointly inaugurated by the MCDYS (Ministry for community development, youth and sports) and the Ministry for trade and Industry. This model currently employs people from VWO (voluntary welfare organization). The site is situated in a DRA (designated red light area) in Singapore and currently houses a restaurant which is reserved for special occasions.  The research in Singapore was preceded by a visit to the toilet museum in New Delhi and the launch of the film ‘Fecal Attraction’ along with a detailed study by CSE (centre for science and environment) of the sanitation situation in New Delhi. A brief summary of this film and the study has been included in the references list at the end of this report. In Singapore, the focus gradually shifted from analyzing popular public spaces and interesting business models to exploring possible sites for the WcCafe. A brief study of outlets which come closest to the WcCafe concept was carried out and used as a reference to create a strategy for the WcCafe. We realized that though the project has a unique advantage in being the first of its kind there are two issues which have to be carefully looked at. The first and most crucial issue is that of funding. Further discussions brought out the need to create a clear strategy for procuring funds and inviting possible partners/sponsors for this project from the government and private sector. These discussions also resulted in some innovative ways of raising money from interested groups which will be discussed later in this report. Next was the issue of a physical location for the WcCafe. This was crucial for the project as the three models envisioned for the WcCafe must be tested out in a real space. After numerous visits to places in shopping malls, popular markets and streets in Singapore, it was felt that these too should be explored further especially since it is directly dependent on the funding available for the project. It must be noted that, the client, Jack Sim who is also the director of the World Toilet Organization has offered his place as a possible location to launch WcCafe. However these locations are not suited to the launch of WcCafe and it is therefore suggested that other more mainstream locations with a strong possibility of higher footfall be explored for the same. One of the potential places seen for the café was the ‘Highpoint Social Enterprise Ark’ jointly inaugurated by the MCDYS (Ministry for community development, youth and sports) and the Ministry for trade and Industry. This model currently employs people from VWO (voluntary welfare organization). The site is situated in a DRA (designated red light area) in Singapore and currently houses a restaurant which is reserved for special occasions. 
  
-An ideal location for the WcCafe would be a thriving multi cultural place which is an authentic representation of Singapore. China Town is an interesting place for such a café and so are some of the popular shopping malls which are the personification of modern Singapore. We can explore the roof tops of these shopping malls as possible sites. Juxtaposing the old and new can be an interesting approach too.  In either case, it goes without saying that the context would be a critical factor in the final design and would closely impact the forms, materials and sustainability issues.  Other possible locations for WcCafe include the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Airport, Sentosa Island, Bird park and the Red Dot Design Museum.+{{:wc006.jpg|}} 
 +Photograph by Sanjeev shankar 
 + 
 +An ideal location for the WcCafe would be a thriving multi cultural place which is an authentic representation of Singapore. China Town is an interesting place for such a café and so are some of the popular shopping malls which are the personification of modern Singapore. We can explore the roof tops of these shopping malls as possible sites. Juxtaposing the old and new can be an interesting approach too.  In either case, it goes without saying that the context would be a critical factor in the final design and would closely impact the forms, materials and sustainability issues.   
 + 
 +{{:wc007.jpg|}} 
 +Other possible locations for WcCafe include the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Airport, Sentosa Island, Bird park and the Red Dot Design Museum.
  
  
  • wccafe_report.1202821136.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2008-02-12 12:58
  • by sanjeev