New Delhi (National Times): Walk into any public restroom at a mall, theatre, hospital, or office building, and you’ll likely notice something peculiar: the doors don’t reach the floor. Unlike the full-length bathroom doors you see in homes or hotels, these doors leave a noticeable gap at the bottom. While it may seem odd, there are several practical reasons behind this design choice, all rooted in safety, hygiene, cost, and convenience.
1. Easier and Faster Cleaning
Public toilets in high-traffic areas require frequent cleaning throughout the day. The gap at the bottom allows janitorial staff to clean floors efficiently without having to open each stall individually. Water and cleaning solutions can be mopped or swept out easily, which ensures better hygiene and faster maintenance.
2. Emergency Safety
If someone faints, suffers a medical emergency, or gets stuck inside a stall, the gap allows bystanders or staff to quickly identify the situation and take action. In extreme cases, it also provides an escape route if a lock malfunctions or if the door cannot be opened normally.
3. Discouraging Misuse
Public toilets in places like malls or theatres can sometimes be misused for smoking or other inappropriate activities. The partial visibility through the gap acts as a deterrent while still maintaining adequate privacy for users.
4. Lower Costs and Durability
Full-length doors are not only more expensive to manufacture and install but also more prone to damage from moisture. Shorter doors, on the other hand, reduce costs and are less likely to warp or deteriorate over time, making them more practical for facilities that experience heavy use.
5. Better Ventilation and Lighting
Public restrooms are often poorly ventilated. Gaps under the doors improve air circulation and allow light to pass through, reducing odours and preventing stalls from feeling overly cramped or claustrophobic.
6. Quicker Emergency Access
In the event of fires, floods, or other emergencies, maintenance staff or rescue teams can unlock, dismantle, or even kick open these doors more easily because they are not sealed from top to bottom.
While full-length doors provide greater privacy, public restrooms prioritize functionality, safety, and efficiency over aesthetics. That small gap you see is a smart, practical solution designed to keep these shared facilities safe, clean, and easy to maintain.
