Curiosity is next to cleanliness: O.novo Kids from Villeroy & Boch

Not simply doing things by the rulebook: why architects and planners are pushing bathrooms suitable for children, and in so doing are transforming the rituals involved in staying clean into a conscious learning process.

Saarlouis day-care centre made child-friendly with O.novo Kids furnishings

"Bathrooms should provide space for children to try things out and give their curiosity free rein. After all, this is where they develop their own relationship with hygiene. It's good to know that because of their shape these toilets are particularly easy to clean and, thanks to their special surface finish, hardly give bacteria a chance," says Simone Speicher, head of eight day-care facilities in Saarland. She accompanied the construction and conversion of a day-care centre in a listed concrete church in Saarlouis, which was created by the Saarbrücken architectural firm of FLOSUNDK.

"Ms Speicher came up with an idea that really took us by surprise. She wanted different taps on all washbasins. It was only when we discussed this that we found out that handling different fittings helps children to learn how to use them," says Mario Krämer from FLOSUNDK. They installed the Architectura bathroom series from Villeroy & Boch, in which the wash basins are mounted within easy reach of the children. The ceramic surfaces are well protected against bacteria with an AntiBac coating. In the case of the toilets, attention was paid to ensuring a child-friendly installation height and improved hygiene - thanks to DirectFlush technology without a flushing rim.

O.novo Kids helps children integrate hygiene at Ennepetal-Voerde Waldorf kindergarten

In contrast, a Waldorf kindergarten in Ennepetal-Voerde in North Rhine-Westphalia uses the O.novo Kids bathroom series from Villeroy & Boch. "With its high-quality ceramics, when it comes to designs suitable for children this bathroom collection consistently meets both ergonomic and pedagogical requirements. Washbasins with different heights and signal colours to identify their function are exemplary and support the children in their individual learning," explains architect Carsten Rinsdorf from Rinsdorf Ströcker Architekten, who planned the wooden building for 75 children. The bathroom thus becomes an experience space that both creates a sharpened awareness of everyday rituals and integrates them in architectural terms.

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