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Safeguards against vandalism: high-quality, attractive fittings protect public sanitary facilities

From schools to sports centres and railway stations, vandalism is one of the most common issues affecting sanitary facilities in public buildings. Expensive repair bills are only part of the problem here. Vandalism can also render sanitary facilities unusable – a headache for both the building operator and its patrons. But what safeguards can we put in place for vandalism? One factor that is often underestimated as an anti-vandalism measure is visual appeal. As studies have shown, sanitary facilities with a high-quality, well-maintained and appealing ambience are much less likely to suffer wanton damage. With their modern, elegant appearance, SCHELL fittings not only enhance the appeal of the facility but also help to protect it against vandalism.

Find out more about the problem of vandalism and where it occurs most frequently.

These studies confirm the interrelationship between visual appeal and vandalism.

5 tips for safeguards against vandalism in a sanitary facility.

Discover the SCHELL portfolio of vandal-resistant fittings.

Make your sanitary facility vandal-resistant today!

So what is vandalism, anyway?

Vandalism describes deliberate acts of damage or destruction that affect public or private property. Public facilities – such as railway stations, schools, sports venues and swimming baths – are often targeted. Inside these buildings, it is often the sanitary equipment that becomes the target for vandals, because it is in constant use and readily accessible.

An appealing design = less damage done: studies on the interrelationship between visual appeal and vandalism

The outward appearance of places in public spaces and a willingness to commit vandalism are directly related. This has been shown by a recent Dutch study from the University of Groningen, for example. The study authors were able to prove that an appealing design for a building facade lowered the rate of criminality. This interplay between visual appeal and criminality was also the focus of work in the 1980s by the US sociologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling, the founders of the ‘Broken Windows Theory’. This theory asserts that a single broken window in a building encourages destructive acts and can, in turn, lead to entire city districts sinking into squalor.

Conversely, we can also conclude that people become less likely to commit vandalism as the architecture in public spaces becomes better maintained, cleaner and more appealing.

The ‘CSI: Restrooms’ trend study commissioned by tissue manufacturer Tork obtained similar findings: sanitary facilities that are designed to be kept clean and attractive – and where damage is repaired immediately – are less likely to be the target of vandalism.

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Tips for a well-kept ambience in public sanitary facilities

While the sanitary equipment for public facilities used to be designed almost exclusively with the aim of achieving rugged functionality, manufacturers are now increasingly focusing on their aesthetic aspects. After all, an appealing design and a well-kept ambience puts patrons in a good mood, and helps to ensure that they then handle the fittings and other sanitary equipment with due care.

How to create an appealing ambience – and therefore help protect against vandalism – in public sanitary facilities:

  • High-quality visual appeal: A modern and elegant design for fittings, etc. enhances the appeal of the space and makes wilful acts of damage less likely.
  • Timeless design: Smooth surfaces and rounded edges minimise potential areas to target for vandalism.
  • Easy cleaning: A minimalist design for sanitary equipment also makes cleaning easier – ensuring that the sanitary space is clean and hygienic at all times.
  • Contactless systems: This optimises hygiene and cleanliness, and prevents unsightly water stains on the fitting body as well as fingerprints on the WC operating panel, for example.
  • Straightforward maintenance and repairs: To counteract the ‘broken windows effect’, damaged sanitary equipment should be repaired or replaced as quickly as possible.
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Designs that please and protect: fittings from SCHELL

As an expert for the fit-out of public and commercial sanitary facilities, SCHELL offers a wide range of fittings that have been designed to meet the tough conditions found in places with a high risk of vandalism. The modern, multiple award-winning design of SCHELL fittings enhances sanitary facilities, making it much less likely that acts of vandalism will be committed.

The following section presents a selection of high-quality SCHELL fittings for various scenarios.

  • Wash basin: The XERIS E and PURIS E electronic wash basin taps are characterised by their minimalist, compact design, and are especially hard-wearing. As a result, they not only offer protection against damage but also an appealing design and outstanding comfort during use. With their contactless operation, they also optimise user hygiene and help to keep the sanitary facility clean.
  • WC and urinal: The vandal-resistant EDITION E WC control and the EDITION E urinal control feature straight contours and a minimalist design that not only make them real eye-catchers in the sanitary facility but also provide outstanding protection against damage. The smart infrared sensor detects the user going out of range of the sensor and starts the flush automatically. This improves user hygiene and ensures the attractive, brushed stainless steel front panel stays free of fingerprints.
  • Showers: Manufactured from premium brushed stainless steel, the LINUS Inox shower panels are very elegant but also extremely hard-wearing. The pivoting front shell on these showers also makes maintenance and repair work very easy – the perfect choice for public shower cubicles in swimming baths, fitness centres and saunas, etc.

Durable and low-maintenance in day-to-day use

Alongside the appealing design and high-quality materials used, the quick and simple maintenance of SCHELL products also has a key role to play in protecting against vandalism. If a fitting does become damaged, spare parts are still available decades after purchase. These parts can be identified quickly using the SCHELL Spare Part Service. In this way, fittings can be repaired as soon as possible – to maintain the overall cared-for look of the sanitary facility and avoid further damage.

Summary: Design as a key safeguard against vandalism

A clean and stylish sanitary facility not only creates a pleasant atmosphere, but also plays a key role in keeping vandalism at bay – and SCHELL is the partner whose products you can rely on here. Thanks to their combination of top-quality design, high-quality functionality and simple maintenance, SCHELL fittings offer an ideal solution for keeping vandalism in check in public sanitary facilities.

Have questions or want advice on vandal-resistant equipment for your sanitary facility? Our SCHELL Service Team looks forward to hearing from you.

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