Sometimes, even architecture has to go to the toilet.

And I think these are great toilets.  They’re for a park in Austin, TX, so they’re more of an outhouse for hikers and cyclists than a traditional toilet, but that I think helps make them so nice.  Check out how the two buildings look like they could nestle into each other, and how though they’ve been pulled apart they’re still talking to each other.  They’ve got a nice muscular feel, something primal, and I really like how the angled forms of thick, rusting steel both reflects the light with glints of metallic vigour or becomes rich and textured, depending on the time of day.  Plus the way the shadows of the trees dance across.  You could pass at the same time each day and yet it would never be exactly the same experience.

Inside things are rough and rugged, and oh my did you look up?  How’s that for a surreal and yet great bathroom break view?  Yes, that tree is coming into your restroom.  Take a multi-meaning nature break to recharge… this has to be one of the top toilet experiences out there.

These are fun.  A word not normally associated with toilets to be sure, but that playfulness is what makes ’em even neater.  Intriguing, airy, and a view to the trees and the skies beyond, all while you do your business.

The Lady Bird Loo, by Mell Lawrence Architects.