News that the city was planning an entirely novel push forward to, oh, the standards Europe has been enjoying for the last twenty years or so, came in last year with the announcement that the city was planning on thinking about funding the installation of twenty public toilets. Mostly because of the Guttersniper's natural proclivities for private activites turned public, we were intrigued. So, it seems, was consummate AIA-er and all-around Serious Person Rick Bell. For the Nicholas Grimshaw-designed stainless-steel commode, Bell has nothing but praise.

"I saw it and I really wanted to use it," said Fredric Bell, executive director of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects, who described the toilet as both elegant and functional. "Whether you're sitting on a toilet or buying a newspaper, design matters."

Yes. Yes it does. Even when you're [redacted].

· A 25¢ Pedestrian Rest Stop, but Wait, it's a Model [NYT, via ANN]

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