Survey on Development and Management System of Public Toilets in Beijing -Case Studies in Dongsi and Xianyukou Areas-

Abstract

New and old sanitation systems coexist in Beijing. The densely populated old districts of the city abound with traditional courtyard houses known as siheyuan, most of which do not have toilets and who′s residents generally use public toilets instead. Surveys conducted in the target areas of Dongsi and Xianyukou revealed there to be two types of public toilet in use; an old type built in the 1960′s and a newer type built after 1990. This system suits these densely populated areas and also makes for easier waste removal by cleaning workers; in addition to ensuring better living conditions for the residents. The results show that the public toilets improve the indoor environment of the siheyuan and also contribute to preserving the condition of the historical milieu. This efficient public toilet system also supplies jobs for migrant workers who act as custodians; the newer type of public toilet system also allows the Beijing government to display a modern sanitation system. Thus the public toilet system in these densely populated areas can be seen to be beneficially effective for residents, migrant workers, and the Beijing government. The conclusions drawn in this study can serve as an important foundation for future discussions on the urban environment of traditional places from the viewpoint of infrastructure, especially in Beijing, as these areas are currently undergoing regeneration.

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