The restroom on our office floor recently got a renovation. Rumor has it that it’s now five-star, though I have no idea who came up with that rating. Is it actually better than before? I don’t think so.
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They installed a speaker that loops classical or traditional folk music. That part doesn’t bother me much.
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The place seems to use some advanced sensor system—voice-controlled, infrared, or maybe it only detects small children. Whenever it fails to detect a person, it shuts off the lights, music, exhaust fan, and air conditioning. Never mind how accurate it is; could the exhaust fan and AC stay on for a little longer?
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And the detection isn’t even reliable. Sometimes someone is clearly there and the lights go out, then come back a moment later. The whole occupied-versus-unoccupied judgment is unpleasant.
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The toilets, urinals, and sinks all use infrared-triggered water. The stalls and urinals also have manual buttons, but the sink doesn’t. On a hot day, trying to wash your face at the sink is genuinely painful.
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Since the toilets, urinals, and sinks already have infrared sensors, couldn’t they be integrated with the lighting, music, and ventilation controls? Otherwise, why would the light turn off while someone is sitting on the toilet?
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Please don’t use such fancy floor tiles—by which I mean don’t use tiles that are too reflective. Otherwise, the gap between the partition and the floor lets you see more of your neighbor’s privacy than you want.
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Last point: why the hell is it locked on weekends? What kind of five-star restroom is this? Is it even meant for people to use? It’s worse than the latrine back in my hometown, which was open 24 hours, available to anyone, and environmentally friendly… I have officially lost coherence.