What has changed since Covid-19 in the design of public spaces
Covid-19 had devastating consequences that profoundly changed people, organisations and in general our way of life. Despite the current situation, the history of past epidemics and crises suggests that eventually human beings are capable of finding new solutions. After all, necessity is the mother of all inventions. An indispensable response, therefore, to the coronavirus is innovation, and the construction industry is no exception. In fact, there is a need to rethink the design of spaces open to the public, particularly public toilets, to comply with infection control measures.
Rethinking public toilets for the new normality
The need to return to normality while still complying with all necessary safety requirements must change our concept of bathrooms considerably. Public health experts, planners, architects and even the WHO have recognised fundamental flaws in the design of current public toilets that could become a space for the spread of contagion and suggest the need for new solutions to deal with the post-Covid19 reality. Suggested innovations for public toilets include self-cleaning cubicles, doors that require no hand contact, more frequent cleaning, and taps and dispensers with photocells. Recent studies have shown that Covid-19 can survive on a surface for up to nine days at room temperature and that therefore the risk of indirect contagion is very high. This is why contact-free solutions such as taps, dispensers, urinals and electronic flow meters become indispensable.
Innovation as an answer
02503/1S- Electronic photocell soap/disinfectant dispenser for washbasins CURVE
At Idral, we are sensitive to the needs of the community and immediately started designing new products to help meet these (not so) new needs. The innovations shown in this article are just a few of the proposals we have studied these days that can help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
10580, 4ALL Easy-Compact. Electronic multifunctional wall bar
It is a complete system that includes tap, hand dryer, and soap dispenser. All electronically controlled by photocells with an antibacterial solid surface construction. The user, thanks to this system, is able to sanitise their hands 100% without moving from the point of use, avoiding contamination of the bathroom. The internal components of the structure are of the highest level:
- the support and wall fixing plate is made of stainless steel,
- the soap dispenser has a reservoir with peristaltic pump and a special santoprene tube that resists the most aggressive and dense disinfectant soaps or hydro-alcoholic gels.
- The hand dryer is CE-certified and all electronic parts are programmed for maximum safety of use,
- all sensors have an anti-vandal system
- the tap also has an integrated anti-legionella system that prevents the formation of legionella in the water.
02582S and 02503/1S, soap and disinfectant dispensers with photocell
Electronic dispensers with photocell for soap or disinfectant, consisting of a chrome-plated brass body resistant to corrosion according to EN248, extremely easy installation. Oversized tank for large public spaces, anti-vandal infrared sensor and pump resistant to aggressive soaps and gels. Manufactured entirely at our factory, they ensure maximum hygiene during use.
02582S - Electronic photocell soap/disinfectant dispenser ONE series
Idral's technical department remains at your complete disposal for the customised development of devices to help the community in this difficult time.
by Valerio Lai
Technical Office Manager