Product Description

There may be no more conspicuous sign of luxury (some might say decadence) than an over-the-top design of that most utilitarian of spaces, the lavatory. Restaurants, hotels, clubs, and similar clients have increasingly seen the restroom as a manifestation of corporate culture and an expression of their attitude toward customers or employers, as well as an easy buzz generator. Flush! is a book for anyone with more than a mere passing interest in concepts for comfort when nature calls, and includes over 40 examples of innovative design for washrooms and a survey of the latest trends in restroom design. An introduction with examples from history—including film, art, and literature—provides an entertaining introduction to the culture of the lavatory.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #834608 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 144 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this unusual ode to the commode, Wenz-Gahler contends that since the economic boom of the 1980s, restrooms have become more inviting. Complete with hundreds of color photos, featuring washrooms in cafés and restaurants as well as hotels and administration buildings, this book addresses the design behind some of the most unique bathrooms around the world. The restrooms of Amsterdam's Supperclub, for example, are designed completely in black with light illuminating only its stainless steel toilets, urinals and wash basins. The lavatories in this club are meant to be meeting places, so instead of mirrors, the designers created windows "through which guests can espy potential partners." In contrast, the Torre della Sassella in Sondrino, Italy, an 18th-century lookout tower that has been converted into a restaurant, incorporates its wash basins into the rocky walls and maintains its mystical, medieval character by using natural lighting. Wenz-Gahler weaves informational tidbits throughout the book-readers learn, for instance, that as early as 2500 BC various cultures were disposing of bodily fluids using toilet-like inventions and that the U.S. is a member of the World Toilet Organization-but the sometimes blurry, too-small pictures don't do justice to these artistic designs. However, the sheer inventiveness of these creations, combined with the book's fun trivia and emphatic title, make it a perfect bathroom read.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

Disappointed
The Book is disappointing in many ways.
First, the Photo and paper stock are terrible.
The photos are printed poorly on rough stock, and the Designs leave alot to be desired.
Try another Flush.

Big disappointment
Wasted my money on this one. I have the same comments as the other reviewer. The pictures are old. Or maybe the book is printed on cheap paper, becuase all the pictures look faded out. Definitely a let down. Still trying to find a book on the coolest bathrooms, loos. (Anyone been to the Penisula Hotel, Hong Kong? Their top-floor bar designed was designed by Philip starck...what an awesome loo. You are like peeing over the whole city)

not modern toilet rooms here!
I was very disappointed with the book. The best picture is of the cover. If you like 80's design, this is the book for you.