Nature-Inspired Restroom Design Earns M.Arch Student Foo Qi Fang Second Prize in ‘Rethinking Public Toilet’ Competition

Foo Qi Fang in one of her proudest moments with judges Sou Fujimoto and Koji Yanai

From a field of 55 design entries, second-year M.Arch student Foo Qi Fang clinched second prize at “Rethinking Public Toilet: Singapore Park Connector Edition,” presented by TOTO Asia at SUTD. She received the award from renowned architect Sou Fujimoto and Koji Yanai at the awards ceremony.

Reflecting the initiative and rigour expected of NUS students, Qi Fang entered the competition independently and, despite a demanding schedule, completed her design proposal and drawings on her own. She was shortlisted among the top five finalists and invited to present her proposal to Sou Fujimoto and Koji Yanai earlier that day, ahead of the awards ceremony.

NEST ROOM – INSPIRED BY A WEAVER BIRD NEST

Titled “Nest Room,” her concept reimagines the park restroom as a place for parkgoers to freshen up, drawing on nature to evoke the spatial qualities of animal habitats. Inspired by the woven nests of the weaver bird, the design offers a sensorial, intimate experience of being within a structure shaped by natural elements. Beyond experiential qualities and functional requirements, the project thoughtfully addresses tropical conditions by harnessing natural light, airflow, and water—an aspect highlighted by judge Sou Fujimoto during the ceremony.

FOO QI FANG PRESENTS HER DESIGN PROPOSAL TO THE JUDGES

“I learned about the Tokyo Toilet project when it launched in 2020, before beginning my architectural studies. I never imagined I’d have the chance to present my proposal to architect Sou Fujimoto and Koji Yanai, who initiated the project. I’ll cherish that moment forever.” – Foo Qi Fang, M.Arch Year 2

“I have always believed that architecture is impactful regardless of scale or complexity, which is why I joined this contest. I am grateful to the judges—Sou Fujimoto, Koji Yanai, and Prof Erwin Viray from SUTD—as well as to URA Group Director Ms Yap Lay Bee for their recognition, and to TOTO Asia for providing students with this opportunity,” said a visibly delighted Foo Qi Fang.

About the Competition

Inspired by The Tokyo Toilet Project, this competition invites participants to reimagine public toilets as meaningful public architecture — inclusive, sustainable, and beautifully integrated into the environment.

Set along Singapore’s Park Connector Network, these toilets should go beyond basic function to reflect our values of community care, accessibility, and nature integration. Just like Tokyo’s initiative transformed overlooked urban infrastructure into celebrated design icons, this contest calls for bold, thoughtful concepts that serve both people and place — helping shape a more humane and inspiring urban experience.