Two Hamilton-based architects have transformed one of the least attractive spaces in our collective consciousness into a work of functional art.

In April 2025, Petra Matar and Alea Reid, who work at local firm Dpai, stumbled upon a competition launched by the Toronto Public Space Committee — a volunteer-led advocacy group — for the most innovative concept for a public washroom.

Ever since the pandemic lockdowns in 2020, the TPSC has placed renewed focus on public washrooms and how they remain such vital resources for those with chronic illnesses, racialized people, gig workers, the elderly and kids, who can all have trouble accessing what should be a basic amenity.

Atar and Reid couldn’t help but throw their hat into the ring.

One reason was their prior experience with toilets — not so

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