Artoletta: The Art of Wrapping Toilets

Transforming Restrooms into Works of Art

Artoletta is a revolutionary concept that combines art and functionality. Vinyl films, adorned with works of art, illustrations, or photographs, are heated and wrapped around toilets. These films can be easily removed, restoring the toilet to its original condition, or replaced with a new design upon request. Designed to withstand regular cleaning, these wrappings retain their vibrant colors and are resistant to peeling. The result is a toilet transformed into a work of art, creating a restroom that people of all ages desire to visit.

The technology behind Artoletta lies in the development of vinyl composite films composed of multiple thin layers, ensuring that the printed image retains its color and clarity. Special adhesives are used to secure the films, preventing them from coming off during regular use, while still allowing for easy removal or replacement. With a width of 47cm, depth of 65cm, and height of 56cm, Artoletta fits seamlessly into any restroom space.

Artoletta goes beyond mere aesthetics. A beautifully decorated toilet provides a healing visual experience, replacing the negative associations of dirty and dimly lit restrooms with a positive and inviting atmosphere. In commercial complexes, Artoletta becomes a topic of conversation, attracting customers and enhancing the overall experience. Furthermore, this innovative design contributes to medical welfare by providing support for individuals with weak eyesight, using colors that are easy to distinguish. The technology behind Artoletta can also be applied to other interior elements, such as walls, furniture, and equipment, allowing for a fully coordinated and decorated restroom.

After three years of intensive research and technical development, the first Artoletta toilets were introduced in 2015 in Sendai City, Japan. The initial installations were located at Sendai Airport, Sendai Airport Railway Station, and the Miyagi Prefecture Library. Throughout the design process, the team faced the challenge of developing algorithms that would prevent image distortion when wrapping toilets with works of art, illustrations, or photographs.

Artoletta is not just a design; it is a new cultural phenomenon that brings delight and surprise to people's lives. The traditional notion of toilets being purely white may soon become obsolete with the introduction of Artoletta. Craftsmen carefully decorate each toilet with Japanese traditional Ukiyo-e, international works of art, or various patterns, creating a unique and personalized experience. Artoletta enriches people's lives by adding a touch of art and fashion to the restroom space, constantly evolving and offering new options.

Artoletta has received recognition for its innovative design. In 2017, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Bathroom Furniture and Sanitary Ware Design category. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit strong technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.