Public Restrooms - A Site of Cultural Conflict

Public restrooms are currently a major focus of social conflict over transgender rights. But this is only the latest manifestation of conflicts related to restroom access. Since the Industrial Revolution, there has been a continual effort to improve access to public restrooms for groups whose bodies and body practices are different from the norm. This webinar will describe research underway on inclusive restroom design at UB by a multidisciplinary team. It will review the history of restroom design, current research, and preliminary findings of the UB initiative. Examples of innovative design approaches that improve access, safety, and health for many segments of the population will be presented and discussed. 

About Edward Steinfeld
Edward Steinfeld is a registered architect and gerontologist with special interests in inclusive design, accessibility, and design for the lifespan. He is a Distinguished SUNY Professor of Architecture and Founder and Director of the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA Center). Dr. Steinfeld is internationally known for his research and publications and is considered a thought leader in the field of inclusive and accessible design. He has lectured in many countries, is a frequent consultant to government agencies, building developers and attorneys, and has experience in architectural practice as well. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters and Doctorate of Architecture from the University of Michigan.

For more information on Dr. Steinfeld and the IDEA Center, see http://idea.ap.buffalo.edu