Gonville Place Public Conveniences

A winning design in a Cambridge City Council, the design for the Gonville Place public conveniences was loosely based on a merry-go-round inspired by the leisure activities of Parker’s Piece. The brightly coloured rendered walls reinforce the fairground motif as do the large panels of cold cathode lights, which gradually change colour, illuminate the building in the dark.

Robust materials were selected: the stainless steel posts, which collect rainwater, are enlarged towards the base to discourage bicycle parking. A kiosk, for selling magazines and snacks, was included as an added deterrent to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. The stainless steel mural on the kiosk doors, inspired by the elm trees that once lined Parker’s Piece, was designed by Moira Lawson-Humphris, a Fine Art student.

Opened in 2004, the building won a RIBA East Spirit of Ingenuity Architecture for Tourism Award.