Accessible lavatories have been required on twin-aisle aircraft for decades. These larger-footprint spaces must enable an individual with a disability to enter, maneuver within as necessary to use all lavatory facilities, and leave, by means of the aircraft’s onboard wheelchair. But some passengers who require total assistance from one or more caregivers may nonetheless find it difficult to use the lavatory, as the confined space leaves little wiggle room.
Eager to tackle these constraints, leading aircraft interior supplier and integrator Jamco Corporation — which is the sole supplier of Boeing 787 lavatories — has designed a next generation widebody lav as part of its so-called ‘Jamco Vision 2030’ project, which is an ongoing collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
Their so-called “Metamorphic Lavatory” concept — specifically designed for widebody aircraft — temporarily combines two adjacent lavatory units and a connecting cross aisle to create what Jamco says is “an unprecedented spacious environment without necessitating a reduction in seat capacity”.
“In general, accessible lavatories installed on widebody aircraft are too narrow for caregivers to enter the lavatory and assist PRMs. Consequently, PRMs requiring total assistance face the impossibility of using the lavatory during flights. This unsolved situation poses a significant concern in terms of human rights and should be addressed immediately, particularly on long-haul flights,” says JAXA in an explainer.
Runway Girl Network readers will be familiar with the concept of turning two lavs into one larger accessible space. After all, both Airbus and Diehl Aviation have narrowbody products on the market that see the partition between two aft lavs swing open to accommodate aisle-chair users and other passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs).
But the Jamco/JAXA solution is different. In addition to being focused on widebody jets, a Jamco spokeswoman explains: “One of the key differentiators is to use the cross aisle. Combining two units with a cross aisle can create a significantly larger space, which allows PRMs who require full assistance to use the lavatory with max two caregivers.”
She tells Runway Girl Network that the Metamorphic Lavatory solution “is designed to be located at mid cabin on widebody airplanes. While it can be located at aft cabin as well, wheelchair passengers are often situated close to the boarding area, therefore we believe the mid cabin location is more appropriate. The overall shape (footprint) and functionality of the lavatory are based on today’s standard lavatories.”
Flip-up handrails and backrests are also installed. Image: Jamco Corporation
When a PRM requests to use the lavatory, the cabin crew can maneuver the lavatory into expansion mode, whereby the doors blocking the cross aisle are closed to create a private, closed space.
“Odor and sound containment, as well as user privacy, are ensured through the use of a partition wall instead of a curtain,” notes Jamco in a statement. “The door of the lavatory unit and the internal partition are moved together, and this space enables PRMs to get close to the toilet in their onboard wheelchair while providing space for two caregivers to stand in supportive positions in front and to the side of the toilet.”
The full expansion mode enables PRMs to get close to the toilet in their onboard wheelchair, providing space for up to two caregivers to stand in supportive positions in front and to the side of the toilet. Image: Jamco Corporation
The larger space is also multi-functional. In addition to meeting the needs of PRMs, the lavatory houses a changing table for children and can support the setup of a simple bed that also serves as an adult changing table.
Moreover, a small folding shelf above the toilet can serve as a convenient place for ostomy appliances while allowing passengers to see themselves in the mirror. Finally, the multipurpose space is ideal for nursing activities and can also serve as a tranquil space for children to calm down, notes Jamco.
By combining two lavatory units and a cross aisle, the Metamorphic Lavatory creates a more spacious environment without compromising seat capacity. That’s good news for airlines, which are cautious about sacrificing revenue-generating space on board, and indeed for PRMs who may require assistance from caregivers.
At the moment, the design cannot be adapted for narrowbody aircraft. “However, we believe it will be a great topic to discuss further for future development,” says the company’s spokeswoman.
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- Boeing proves ally in push to freeze footprint for one narrowbody lav
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All images credited to Jamco Corporation
