candcNYC t1_jabuhyc wrote on February 28, 2023 at 8:33 AM

The website FAQ is pretty interesting. Eg:

>How often do we need to clean The Portland Loo®? In Portland they get cleaned 2-5 times a day. There is also a number to report incidents inside the restroom for cleaning.

>How does The Portland Loo® address the issue of drug use? The Portland Loo® uses angled louvers for police and security to limit privacy. The Portland Loo® also uses blue lights to prevent drug users from locating veins.

>How does The Portland Loo® help reduce inappropriate use such as prostitution and drugs? The open bottom and top of the restroom allow sight lines and sounds to carry outside the restroom. The restroom should be sited with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Designs (CPTED) that places the restroom in visible areas that prevent crime with open sight lines.

>How long can I expect The Portland Loo® to last? With proper maintenance The Portland Loo® is expected to last up to one hundred years.

smackson t1_jacjvay wrote on February 28, 2023 at 1:39 PM

Wait so may body expulsion sounds and smells are practically out in the open in a high foot traffic area?

And literally anyone can lean down and watch people go to the bathroom through the open slat design?

candcNYC t1_jadi0e0 wrote on February 28, 2023 at 5:33 PM

No, the louvers are tilted for privacy, both from street level and building windows above.

The loos are also installed in high visibility spots that discourage peeping Toms and loitering.

Idk know about ‘body expulsion’ concerns… but open air dissipates smells quickly and it’s designed to be spray-washed clean.

smackson t1_jads68k wrote on February 28, 2023 at 6:36 PM

> the louvers are tilted for privacy, both from street level and building windows above.

but from the FAQ you posted...

> How does The Portland Loo® help reduce inappropriate use such as prostitution and drugs? The open bottom and top of the restroom allow sight lines

I mean... it can't be both.