5 airport washroom refurbishment trends that look set to take off next year
The new year presents you with the perfect opportunity to refresh and update your airport washroom facilities - but where do you even start?
Well, the best thing to do is to get educated. Take a look at the latest washroom design trends so you can create modern, stylish facilities that reflect your brand and impress your visitors.
And we’re here to help you do just that, here are some of the key washroom refurbishment trends that look set to take off next year.
1. Sustainability and eco-friendly features
Sustainability and the environment are huge topics right now, especially in the aviation industry. So this year, commit to making your airport washrooms more eco-friendly.
This can be done by choosing water-saving fixtures, such as high-efficiency toilets, touch-free taps and urinals with reduced water consumption. You can also make your facilities more energy-efficient by choosing LED lighting with motion sensors and energy-efficient ventilation systems.
On top of this, you should incorporate more sustainable and durable materials into your design. For example, you could use recycled materials, low-VOC paints or robust solid-grade laminate that will last for years and years to come.
2. Tech integration
Bring your airport bathrooms into the modern age with the latest smart technology. As we’ve said, touch-free features can be a bonus. But it’s not just taps; you could also choose sensor soap dispensers, hand dryers, toilet flushes and even touchless door locks.
Plus, IoT-enabled devices enable you to track supply levels and cleaning schedules in real time.
Do you want to go one step further this year? You could even add digital feedback panels to your bathrooms, such as QR code-enabled surveys, that allow travellers to give instant feedback on their experience.
3. User-centric design
The functionality and flow of your airport washrooms should be a top priority. These are busy spaces with a big footfall. Therefore, you should opt for spacious, uncluttered layouts that are easy to navigate for families, tired travellers and those with lots of luggage.
With that in mind, it’s important to make sure you offer family facilities with changing tables, nursing areas and enhanced accessibility for people with disabilities.
You might also wish to make a bigger change and opt for gender-neutral facilities to provide more inclusive restroom options to travellers with diverse needs.
4. First-class experiences
Not every passenger will be flying business class, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a first-class airport experience. There are several ways that you can make your washrooms more stylish and luxurious without breaking the bank. These include:
Full-length toilet cubicles for increased privacy
Mood lighting and decorative accents create a more relaxed environment
Better sound insulation to offer a more tranquil experience
Improved ventilation and fragrance systems for fresher, cleaner air
Anti-microbial and easy-to-clean surfaces that reduce the spread of germs
Not only do these features make your airport washrooms more functional and welcoming, but they also help to make them more hygienic as well. This is so important to today’s travellers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Regional and cultural influences
Lastly, remember that those using your airport bathrooms are travellers, they may have come from all over the world, so why not add some regional and cultural touches to your washroom design?
For example, your airport bathrooms could incorporate elements that reflect the culture or art of the region, such as work from local artists. You could also add posters or information about local events or landmarks that travellers may wish to visit during their stay.
You can also use natural elements like greenery and daylighting to create a connection with travellers and the outside world. This can also help to boost the mood and well-being of visitors, which is an added bonus!
Are you ready to refurbish your airport washrooms?
These trends are a response to passenger expectations for cleaner, more comfortable and more modern facilities. Airports investing in these upgrades can enhance the overall travel experience while also meeting sustainability goals.