Improved functionality in small bathrooms

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the study was to find out whether there is a need and a market for new bathroom solutions that can create more accessible and usable small bathrooms. The goal was to investigate whether innovation procurement may be an appropriate way to stimulate the development of new solutions that can make it easier to renovate accessible bathrooms. The study indicates that other actions are needed instead of innovation procurement.

Results and expected effects

The result from the study indicated that innovation procurement isn´t the best way to solve the problem, other actions are needed; new financing models, studies that can form the basis for economic analyses, knowledge must be disseminated, procedures and costs related to accessibility actions in bathrooms have to be investigated and the responsibility for accessibility must be clarified. It is important with a holistic approach and it is also important to work with raised accessibility in small space when building new properties.

Approach and implementation

The study has been conducted through literature studies, workshops, interviews, field visits and through a questionnaire. The study has been done from two perspectives, the residents and the property owners. The analysis of the needs of the residents identified two areas; it must be easy to move into and out of the bathroom and also inside the bathroom, there is also a need for flexible solutions. The property owners have a need for more knowledge and also incentives to work with accessibility actions in bathrooms.