The more hectic and dynamic our lives become, the more we look for places to which we can retreat and enjoy some calm. But where can we find such places when we’re away from home – for instance, at work or while travelling?
Personal Sensory Spaces, PSS™ for short, by sieger design presents a revolutionary new concept for semi-public WCs. In this architectural study, fully equipped modular units create self-contained sanctuaries – while requiring no more space than conventional cubicle solutions.
The evolution of (semi-)public WCs is part of our cultural history. From communal latrines in ancient Rome to the first screened-off water closets, down the centuries they have changed in line with our concepts of hygiene and intimacy.
The architectural study Personal Sensory Spaces by sieger design marks another key stage in this evolution, and is intended to set a new standard for semi-public WC facilities. Through intelligent arrangement of space and innovative design, it places the focus squarely on people and their need for privacy. Self-contained, soundproofed units offer intimacy, calm and relaxation.
Alongside a toilet, each PSS™ module also contains a washbasin and other optional multisensory features designed to maximise comfort. Lighting, images, film, music and fragrances evoke new emotional ambiences each time. The digitally connected modules appeal to the senses with personalised scenarios, creating an experience of sanctuary.
PSS™ is a concept that doesn’t just offer benefits to users, but also to companies, architects and planners.
For the same number of WCs, the PSS™ modules require no more space than a conventional toilet facility with individual cubicles and a shared washbasin area.
The integrated solution by sieger design also has all the little details covered. Almost all semi-public toilet facilities combine products from a range of different manufacturers, from soap dispensers to sanitary bag dispensers. Having to make separate decisions on all these individual items makes planning complex.
PSS™, by contrast, can offer fully predefined units that can be adapted according to different locations, styles and desired options.
The architectural study delivers on the promise of privacy in all semi-public spaces. The three style interpretations – Office, Factory and Hospitality – visualise examples of concrete applications for different settings. As well as offices or hotels, other possible areas of application include transport hubs such as airports, train stations and petrol stations.
Personalised scenarios create emotional ambiences and an experience of sanctuary using digitally connected elements such as lighting, film, fragrances and music. The scenarios can be managed using wall-mounted controls or an app. Depending on the user’s personal needs, either a stimulating, invigorating ambience can be created or a soothing, relaxing one.
Inspired by nature: the fully illuminated ceiling simulates the sky, creating a daylight-like experience even in windowless rooms. With RGBW LEDs – coloured light with a separately controllable white LED – it’s possible to recreate the fine nuances of morning or evening light.
The large display acts like a virtual window, bringing the outdoors indoors. Images are given exceptional depth by the fully backlit screen. The display can show images of nature, photographs or films. In preprogrammed scenarios, the screen interacts with elements like the illuminated ceiling.
To keep the air in windowless WCs fresh and healthy, a ventilation system is a must. Fresh air is fed in from floor level, while an extractor on the ceiling removes stale air.
Unsightly items, like replacement toilet rolls, sanitary bag dispensers and toilet brushes, are compactly arranged in the washstand unit, out of view of users.
The washstand makes optimum use of limited space. The basin, washstand cover and splashback are made as a single component from glazed steel. A paper towel dispenser and a bin for used towels are integrated on the left-hand side of the compact unit.
PSSTM is a space for personal rituals, where people can freshen themselves up or take medicine undisturbed using the cups provided. An integrated filter system ensures the water is drinkable.
The concealed technology offers a hygienic, easy-to-use solution. In many semi-public settings, touch-free taps are already a legal requirement. The automatic soap dispenser is also sensor-activated.
For maximum hygiene, the toilet flush is sensor-controlled, and can be activated touch-free with a hand gesture. The urinal has an automatic flush function, which is activated by infrared proximity sensors.
Most people use them regularly at work or on the go: semi-public WCs. They are rarely pleasant experiences. In particular, company sanitary facilities often offer barely any atmosphere and therefore great potential. This project demonstrates that this can be different: in 2021, the agency is implementing its architectural study Personal Sensory Spaces, published two years previously, for a German industrial company. Here, alongside other objects, 41 toilet units have been developed in a multilevel office building and nearby connecting building.
These days, companies have to offer their employees more than just a well-equipped workstation and daily fruit. And in businesses with open, highly dynamic workspaces in particular, it is essential to consider quiet options as a countermeasure. The architectural concept from sieger design aims to provide all employees with moments of privacy: a sign of appreciation and also a worthwhile investment in people – who are moving back into focus. Here, the agency is pursuing nothing short of a paradigm shift, a new understanding of semi-public WCs within companies and beyond.
Personal Sensory Spaces (PSS™) swaps today’s standard rows of toilet cubicles and open sink area that many people use at the same time for soundproofed room units with a toilet and their own washstand. The number of toilets is maintained without requiring an expansion of the area. The result is self-contained quiet spaces – intimate and calm. Employees can go here for short moments of relaxation and personal rituals, be they physical hygiene after arriving by bike, freshening up make-up or taking medication discreetly.
It is precisely these predefined quiet spaces that sieger design has now implemented for a German industrial company. The starting point was five fully fitted toilet units in a building that connects the production plant to a guest house. The new semi-public WCs in the reception area provide visitors with a sense of arrival following what is sometimes a long journey. They are a pilot for the 36 other units being fitted across three floors in the nearby office building.
In both buildings, the vision, dating back to 2019, was implemented almost to the letter. Wall-high images, evenly backlit by modern LEDs, bring nature to the space and give the impression of looking out of the window. Other multisensory equipment options can be integrated by means of light, music and fragrance.
The wash area feels roomy even in the smallest space. The basin, washstand covering and splashback are made of glazed steel as one seamless component. As part of the project, sieger design developed a new towel dispenser that has been used here for the first time and is patentpending. It allows people to take the exact quantity desired with one hand. Paper towel disposal and equipment like replacement toilet rolls, hygiene bag dispensers and toilet brush are integrated into the wash space in a compact way and thus disappear from the user’s view. Fresh, temperate air – indispensable for a healthy climate in interior toilets – is supplied via the skirting area and extracted through the all-round shadow gap in the ceiling.
“It is always something special when a project is implemented – whether this is a new product you are holding for the first time or the finished architecture you are walking into and can experience for yourself. We are proud of this, of course, but you always need the right partners. In this case, a businessman who has the willingness and openness to offer his employees and guests some privacy in a semi-public environment,” says Michael Sieger.
The first custom implementation by sieger design shows how the architectural study can be tailored to the customer. A big advantage in the sanitary area in particular, where a number of requirements come together. “Because various trades are involved here, the design is generally very complex. For this reason, we also believe that predefined concepts and prefabricated bathrooms will be the future,” says Michael Sieger.
PSS™ can be implemented in new builds and existing properties. sieger design adjusts the modular concept individually depending on the application area, stylistic specifications and desired equipment levels. “It is therefore suited not only to industrial companies, but also hoteliers, restaurateurs and operating companies”, adds Christian Sieger.
In the OFFICE variant, the individual modules are specially tailored to a workplace setting. The minimalist design is democratic and inviting for office staff, but without sacrificing its own distinctive style and charm. The large mirror and the lighting create a pleasant environment that is ideal for a variety of different uses: for instance, doing make-up. Customised scenarios with lighting, music and fragrances can be individually controlled and navigated.
The FACTORY style interpretation illustrates how the PSS™ architectural study could be implemented in a production setting. This variant features more robust materials, tiled walls and a larger washbasin, providing space for users to have a more thorough wash. It could also be adapted for sports facilities or swimming pools.
HOSPITALITY visualises a premium design style ideal for hotels, restaurants and bars. A floor-standing washbasin is accompanied by a cube unit on which fresh towels are laid out and that features an integrated bin for used towels. The selected materials and finishes as well as the finely tuned lighting concept create an elegant and emotional ambience.
The mission statement of sieger design is to develop distinctive, success-oriented brand concepts and products with a unique selling point. The design agency has been driving major trends in the sanitary industry since the early 1980s and has been the innovative force behind many product categories: the first designer bathroom fittings, holistic bathroom collections, large overhead rain showers and scenario-controlled showers.
Working on behalf of partners such as Alape, Dornbracht and Duravit as well as a host of other international brands, the company develops holistic strategies and designs that are based on sound analysis and visionary thinking.
sieger design approaches every new task with the utmost sensitivity, an eye for timeless, often archetypal forms, superlative artisanry and technical finesse, and a keen understanding of functionality, innovation and sustainability. At Harkotten Castle, the design process is implemented by an interdisciplinary team of over 40 employees.
Do you have any questions or would you like more information (for example, our PSS™ brochure)? Then please simply get in touch at any time!
Project Development
Christian Sieger
T +49 5426 9492-20
c.sieger@sieger-design.com
Public Relations
Rebecca Wolter
T +49 5426 9492-21
wolter@sieger-design.com
Address
sieger design GmbH & Co. KG
Schloss Harkotten
48336 Sassenberg
Germany
www.sieger-design.com
Copyright by Alape GmbH, Aloys F. Dornbracht GmbH & Co. KG (photography Stephan Abry, Markus Jans, Thomas Popinger, Communication Concept and Creation for Dornbracht: Meiré und Meiré), Conmoto, Duravit AG, SIEGER, SIEGER by FÜRSTENBERG, sieger design (PSS™ CGIs by Interiorvista, Barcelona)
We at sieger design GmbH & Co. KG would like to thank you for your interest in our website. Protecting your privacy is important to us. The following text contains comprehensive information about how we handle your data.
Managing director: Christian Sieger
sieger design GmbH & Co. KG
Schloss Harkotten
48336 Sassenberg
Germany
Phone +49 5426 9492-20
c.sieger@sieger-design.com
Great Oak Datenschutz GmbH & Co. KG
Florian Schirm
Ruhrstraße 18
59955 Winterberg
Germany
Phone +49 2985 99 99 96 0
https://www.great-oak-datenschutz.de
Personal data such as names, email addresses and postal addresses will only be collected, stored or processed within the scope of legal provisions or if you voluntarily submit these details to us. Your personal data will only be transmitted to third parties if you have given us permission to do so or where doing so is required in order to fulfil the purpose for which you submitted the data to us.
Purpose A: logging visits to the website based on IP addresses in order to analyse the number of visitors and which pages they visit
Purpose B: logging system events with IP addresses in order to fix any bugs
Purpose C: collecting information submitted via the contact form (title(s), first name, surname, company, postal address, telephone number, fax number and email address) in order to contact visitors at their request
Purpose D: collecting email addresses and possibly titles, first names and surnames for the purpose of sending newsletters to recipients at their request, logging subscriptions based on IP addresses in order to prevent subscriptions by third parties and storing data relating to specific individuals in order to optimise content and technical implementation (see “Newsletter” below)
Purpose E: logging visits to the website based on cookies in order to statistically analyse user visits and optimise technical implementation (see “Cookies” and “Web analysis” below)
Data for purposes A, B and E is processed on the basis of legitimate interests in accordance with Article 6 (1) (f) GDPR.
Data for purposes C and D is processed on the basis of the freely given consent of the person who submitted it via the contact form in accordance with Article 6 (1) (a) GDPR – consent of data subject in accordance with Article 4 (2) (11) GDPR.
For purpose A: the website is used to obtain new contractual partners and communicate information to interested individuals. Data is collected for purpose A in order to be able to measure the effectiveness of the site and optimise it on the basis of this data.
For purpose B: in order to be able to ensure the technical availability of the site at all times, system events are logged and analysed. IP addresses are collected for all events so that any deliberately caused events can be detected and prevented.
For purpose E: the website is used to obtain new contractual partners and communicate information to interested individuals. Data is collected for purpose E in order to be able to measure the effectiveness of the site and optimise it on the basis of this data.
For purposes A, B, C and E: the data will not be made available to third parties. However, it may be accessed by the data processor we have contracted to manage the hosting, operation and development of this website – incognito GmbH & Co. KG, Dortmunder Straße 47, 48155 Münster, Germany.
For purpose D: we work with our partner company rapidmail GmbH, Augustinerplatz 2, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, whose newsletter software is used for technical implementation of email delivery as requested by you, and for logging of data. Furthermore, it may be accessed by the data processor we have contracted to manage the hosting, operation and development of this website and the sieger design newsletters – incognito GmbH & Co. KG, Dortmunder Straße 47, 48155 Münster, Germany.
Purpose A: 12 months
Purpose B: 12 months
Purpose C: 6 months
Purpose D: For duration of newsletter subscription
Purpose E: 6 months
As a data subject, you can exercise the following data protection rights free of charge:
a) You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time (right of withdrawal).
b) You can, at any time, request access to all data relating to you that we have stored (right of access).
c) You can, at any time, request the erasure of data, provided that we are not legally or contractually obliged to retain it (right to erasure).
d) You can, at any time, request that the scope of data processing be restricted to certain areas (right to restriction of processing).
e) You can object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of your data for reasons of public interest or the processor’s legitimate interests (right to object).
f) You have the right to demand at any time that inaccurate data concerning you be rectified (right to rectification).
g) You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format or to have this data transmitted to another controller (right to data portability).
Every data subject has the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority in the country of his or her habitual residence or with the authority responsible for the operator of this site. The following supervisory authority is responsible for the operator of this site:
Landesbeauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit
North Rhine-Westphalia
Post office box 20 04 44
40102 Düsseldorf
Germany
Phone +49 211 38424-0
Fax +49 211 38424-10
Email: poststelle@ldi.nrw.de
Our website uses cookies to enhance its functionality dependent upon your browser settings. Cookies are text files that are temporarily stored on your computer’s hard drive. If the server hosting our website is visited again, then the Web browser sends the previously received cookie back to the server. Cookies make it possible to collect specific information about your visit to our website (e.g. date, time, page accessed, Web browser used, IP address). If you wish to disable the storage of cookies, you can do this by adjusting your browser settings. With cookies disabled, however, it may not be possible to use the website fully. By using our website with the corresponding settings for saving cookies enabled, you consent to our using these cookies.
Our website uses Matomo (www.matomo.org), a piece of open-source software that produces statistical analyses of user visits. Matomo also uses cookies to allow it to analyse users’ usage of the website. The information about website usage that is obtained from the cookies is saved on our server in Germany. The IP address is anonymised immediately after processing and before the processed data is saved. You can also prevent cookies from being installed by selecting the corresponding setting in your browser. Furthermore, you can select the following option to prevent Matomo from carrying out any analysis of your usage:
Your visits to this website will not be recorded by the Matomo web analytics tool. JavaScript is deactivated in your browser, but this is required by the tracking system to record your visits. Please note that your visits may be recorded again as soon as you activate JavaScript. In this case, reload the page to check the status.
You can subscribe to a newsletter via the website. If you subscribe to a newsletter, your email address – and if desired your title(s), first name and surname – will be used for the purpose of sending you personalised messages, invitations and information about new projects, concepts and events, until such a time as you unsubscribe. A confirmation process is used to activate your subscription. We will not begin emailing you the newsletter until you have confirmed your subscription. Your data is not transferred to third parties, with the exception of partner companies who are responsible for technical implementation of email delivery as requested by you. The data transferred to these companies is limited to the scope necessary for these purposes. In order to prevent third parties subscribing using your name, we are legally required to store the IP address and time of your newsletter confirmation. So as to continuously optimise content and technical implementation, we collect data relating to specific individuals, including data on email delivery, whether emails are marked as spam, opening and click rates for each recipient including precise times, and unsubscriptions. Clicked links (click map), country of origin and the devices and email clients that users use are analysed in anonymised form. If you wish to end your subscription and stop receiving newsletters, you can cancel your newsletter subscription at any time with future effect. You simply need to send a message using the contact details below. There is also an unsubscribe link in every newsletter email.
To display our websites, we use external, licensed fonts from typography.com, Hoefler & Co., 611 Broadway, Room 725, New York, NY 10012-2608, as well as from fonts.com and myfonts.com, which are part of the company Monotype Imaging Inc., 600 Unicorn Park Drive, Woburn, MA 01801. For invoicing and licence control, the respective companies register the fact that the websites are called up and log the number of hits. According to company information, no personal data concerning website visitors are saved. We have no influence regarding the nature or scope of this data processing. For more information, see the data protection notices of typography.com and monotype.com, which you can access here:
sieger design GmbH & Co. KG
Schloss Harkotten
48336 Sassenberg
Germany
Phone +49 5426 9492-0
Fax +49 5426 9492-89
info@sieger-design.com
