Redesigning Ablution Facilities in Malaysian Public Restrooms: A Hygienic and User-Friendly Approach
摘要
The current public restroom in Malaysia often lacks dedicated ablution facilities, forcing Muslims to perform it at common sinks. These sinks are not designed to accommodate the ritual’s requirements, resulting in water splashing, which inconveniences other users and creates slippery, dirty floors. This study aims to redesign ablution facilities in public restrooms to address these hygiene issues and enhance the safety and comfort of users. Using a human-centered approach, the study involves empathizing with users, defining parameters, ideating new designs, and analyzing the flow of tap water to reduce splashing, which is the major concern for a hygienic ablution facility. A matrix evaluation process is used to select the final design. The chosen design features two separate sinks: one for washing the face and hands, and another for washing the feet. This configuration minimizes water splashing and enhances hygiene with aims to fulfil We < 2000 and Re < 1. The placement of the faucet, particularly for the lower sink, is crucial; it should be positioned 400–600 mm above the ground. The recommended dimensions are a depth of 150–200 mm, width of 400–500 mm, and length of 500–600 mm, with walls shaped in a parabolic curve to facilitate smooth water flow. The drain should be centrally located with a slight slope towards the center. Ample space for foot washing will ensure efficient water drainage while minimizing water splashing in the ablution facility.