The Bathroom Planning Guidelines and Access Standards that are important to planning the grooming area are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 22, and 23. For the complete Guidelines and Access Standards, see Appendix A.
bathing/showering center
While the basic activity of the bathing/showering center is cleansing the body, there is a wide range
of associated activities that take place in this area. The bathtub, shower, and tub/shower combination are the main fixtures, all of which have their own related planning considerations.
• Getting in and out of bathtubs is a serious safety issue, since falls can happen during transfer. Turning water on and off, and adjusting water temperature, are also key activities in bathing and showering. In addition to water and the fixture, soap and other cleansing products, washcloths, and sponges are used in cleansing.
• Washing hair also occurs in the bathtub or shower. A faucet spray, shampoos, conditioners, and a variety of other products will be needed for this activity.
• Shaving the face and legs might also take place in the tub or shower. A mirror may be needed to see the face, and a bench or ledge might make shaving legs safer and more convenient.
• The bathtub is also a place for relaxing, and is often therapeutic. Many people find that soaking in a warm bath can calm them and reduce stress. Tubs especially designed for relaxing might be deeper and jetted.
Bubble baths, aromatic oils, bath salts, and fragrant additives can enhance the effect of the warm water. Special sponges and loofahs help exfoliate the skin, and pulsating hand sprays can enhance the spa experience. Candles, soft lighting, a lit fireplace, and music also add to the experience.
• Showering can also provide a sensual experience that goes beyond body cleansing. Pulsating showerheads and body sprays offer a variety of massaging actions that help to relax stiff muscles. Multiple showerheads from above, and jets from the side, can invigorate the body all over. Rain showerheads and waterfall heads may be more relaxing, offering a wide but gentle water flow from above. While these shower designs are luxurious, they also can use large amounts of water and the longer the user stays in the shower, the more water is used. Low-flow showerheads are available and should be considered. More information about water efficiency in bathrooms and selecting water efficient fixtures can be found in chapter 3, "Environmental and Sustainability Considerations."
• The amount of moisture created by bathing and showering will require specialized ventilation to remove some of the moisture and heat from the bathroom. Requirements for ventilation are covered in chapter 7, "Mechanical Planning."
• Clothing will be removed before bathing and showering, and replaced with more clothes or a robe. The designer should think about how dirty clothes will be handled in the bathroom, and how clean clothes or robes will be stored. Hampers, laundry chutes, and laundry rooms can help tackle the dirty clothes issue. Hooks, closets, and a nearby dressing center could make fresh clothes more accessible. More information on these topics is in chapter 9, "More Than a Bathroom."
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FIGURE 6.31 Bathtubs are available in several styles that reflect the way the tub will be installed, including; (A) a platform with a drop-in tub; (B) a freestanding tub;(C) a corner tub; (D) an alcove tub; and (E) a platform with an undermount tub.
A and C courtesy of Kohler; B, D, and E courtesy of Jacuzzi