introduction research case studies context site water stop summary appendix
The Urban Rest Stop is an infill project in Seattle, Washington. The program is simple: a laundry facility, restrooms, and shower rooms serving thousands in downtown Seattle. An open laundry area occupies the front of the building with bathroom facilities behind. There are large men’s and women’s restrooms and five separate shower rooms. All areas are available on a first-come, first-served sign-up basis. Soap, shaving cream, razors, toothbrushes, towels and other hygiene supplies are all available upon request. The rest stop recently celebrated 10 years of service to nearly 30,000 unduplicated individuals.
“One has to wonder what people did before we opened our doors.” (Gilboa, 2010) The use of an historic building allows the rest stop to recede into the cityscape and maintains the architectural character of the block. A small extended sign states the name, but the
most important feature is the rest stop’s ability to blend into its context. The storefront windows were maintained, ensuring visibility to and from the street. Nothing says, “homeless services” or “free laundry service,” just simply “Urban Rest Stop.” During an interview with Ronni Gilboa, she expressed the importance of not hiding such facilities off of back alleyways. People using the services must be allowed dignity. Attempting to hide these resources is an attempt to hide a group of people and disassociate from those who do not fit it with the majority in a city or region. She discussed the value of dignified projects that encourage clients to become more integrated into the local community. This facility allows visitors to use the same streets and public realm as the local housed population.
“Thirty years ago when I went to England, they had public restrooms and showers. They have them in Rome and in Paris and there’s no reason why we can’t have them here, too.” Ronni Gilboa (Willis,1999)