The assumption still exists among Japanese people that public toilets are dark, dirty, smelly and scary. To change these views, new facilities were designed or renovated by 16 leading designers to make them accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, age or ability.

Ito, a Pritzker architecture prize-winner, created public conveniences within three mushroom-shaped blocks, replacing an old structure located at the bottom of a staircase leading to the Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine.

Ito divided his facility into three cylindrical blocks topped with domed roofs, creating a shape reminiscent of mushrooms that grow in a nearby forest.

This installation is intended to be a calm and welcoming place.

“I hope that the Yoyogi-Hachiman Public Toilet will give women a sense of security, even at night,” the designer explained.