In case you didn’t know we are on a road trip. We left a couple of weekends ago and are taking our sweet time, stopping for snack breaks, bathroom breaks, and stretch breaks at every rest area we approach. We’ve left Eugene and we are headed east towards Colorado. If you are wondering why we are on this adventure it’s because we are doing research for our Interior Architecture History II graduate paper assignment.
So, why Colorado you ask? Colorado is great and has so much to offer but I bet you can’t guess why and what we will be visiting? It seems to be the only topic our peers will research and discuss these days? Hmm, still not crossing your mind.
Okay, I’ll give you a hint – you use one every day.
Any Ideas?
Well, since we are almost there, I’ll fill you in on the details. We are headed to Colorado to visit Rocky Mountain National Park’s Long’s Peak toilets! These toilets were built in 2018 by the ColoradoBuildingWorkshop in collaboration with the National Parks Service. A little information about the site location; Long’s Peak is the tallest and most iconic mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park and has become one of the most frequented 14ers in the state of Colorado (ROMO Backcountry Privies | 2018 | Colorado Building Workshop). In 1983 the National Parks Service first installed backcountry toilets to deal with human waste on the trail to the summit. Over time and exposure to harsh climate conditions, the original toilets have deteriorated and are no longer successfully managing backcountry waste. ColoradoBuildingWorkshop worked with the National Parks Service to re-design and construct new backcountry toilets. The final design is made up of a series of prefabricated structural gabion walls that explore lightweight prefabricated construction. Within the gabions, a series of thin steel plate moment frames triangulate the lateral loads within the structure while stones collected from the area are used as ballast (ROMO Backcountry Privies | 2018 | Colorado Building Workshop). Students participating in ColoradoBuildingWorkship erected the structure in eight days, hiking three to six miles each day to the site. I find this structure to be very unique and quite beautiful. I love how the structure seemingly disappears into the surrounding landscape.
I bet you haven’t seen a better view from a toilet.
Blending in with its’ surroundings.
Since we are here admiring this award-winning structure – and probably waiting in line to use the toilet or catching your breath in this thin air – let me tell you a few facts about backcountry waste management. There are many different kinds of backcountry toilets and they are called by many different names. Outhouse, Pit Toilet, Privy, Composting Toilet, to name a few. These toilets also have different rules that apply to them in order for your waste to properly decompose. So always read the notes posted inside and be sure to follow the directions! For example, urine increases the stench in old-fashioned pit privies, so users are asked to pee in the woods and only use these privies for number two type business. More modern pit toilets often found at campgrounds or trailheads always remind you to put the toilet seat back down after you do your business. Lowering the seat helps manage the smell. Always use privies or pit toilets if they are available, they are the most sanitary option and help to prevent the pollution of camping areas and water sources (Poop Week: Real Talk on a Backcountry Basic — Washington Trails Association).
Let me know in the comments if you would prefer a driving or walking tour on our next weblog excursion. I’ll try not to include another 14er next time!
Bibliography:
Longs Peak Toilets – AIA. https://www.aia.org/showcases/6120798-longs-peak-toilets. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
Poop Week: Real Talk on a Backcountry Basic — Washington Trails Association. https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/poop-week-real-talk-on-a-backcountry-basic. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
ROMO Backcountry Privies | 2018 | Colorado Building Workshop. http://coloradobuildingworkshop.cudenvercap.org/portfolio-item/romo-backcountry-privies-2018/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
Image Sources:
ROMO Backcountry Privies | 2018 | Colorado Building Workshop. http://coloradobuildingworkshop.cudenvercap.org/portfolio-item/romo-backcountry-privies-2018/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.
Poop Week: Real Talk on a Backcountry Basic — Washington Trails Association. https://www.wta.org/news/signpost/poop-week-real-talk-on-a-backcountry-basic. Accessed 10 Feb. 2021.