NOTE: There is a problem with uploading pictures, so those will have to be added in later.
I’m really loving Parisian urban design and technology. Some of the first cool things that I encountered were (free!) public toilets that cleaned themselves after each use. They look kind of like space pods and are scattered throughout Paris. While they still smell like bathrooms (i.e. not pleasant), the fact that they are so readily available, are self-cleaning, and cost nothing to use makes them very appealing for cities in the United States. I visit Washington, D.C. frequently, and if I needed to use a restroom while in the city, I’d either have to duck into free Smithsonian museum or bite the bullet and purchase something in restaurant to justify using their bathrooms. Imagine how great it would be to have these free toilets in D.C.
Now that I’ve sufficiently covered public toilets, I’ll be less weird and talk about some other neat things I’ve seen throughout Paris. Example #2 are Wallace Fountains, which are public drinking fountains implemented in the 19th century to provide free potable water to Parisians. The water comes down from the top in a continuous stream and is cycled through the fountain, which prevents disease. The caryatids (the women holding up the top of the fountain) prevent people from using buckets to collect water and to ensure that there is enough water for everyone. Wallace Fountains have been very useful for me because I can easily refill my reusable water bottle on the go. Not only is this option convenient and free, it’s also environmentally friendly because it encourages the use of reusable water bottles.
Another cool urban design feature I’ve come across are these double-sided benches pictured below. Note how there are no arm rails, which allow for more efficient use of the seat, and the space between the two seats prevents people from bumping into each other when they’re sitting down. Additionally, the wood parts are easy to replace when maintenance is required, and the flatness of the wood seats allows you to rest your drink on it without the drink falling over. I really want one of these for my backyard at home!
How many times have you been super thirsty or hungry using public transit? Paris metro stations have you covered. In every station, there are vending machines that sell snacks and beverages. They even sell Orangina (how cool is that?!). The DMV area’s 100+ degree summers call for these vending machines in the metro stations to ensure that riders remain hydrated. The machines take both cash and credit, which is especially useful today when many people don’t carry a lot of cash. I didn’t get a picture of the machines for fear of looking like a dorky tourist, but everyone knows what a vending machine looks like.
The most recent innovation I’ve stumbled upon are these public exercise machines on the quais of the Seine. I’m not sure if you have to pay to use them, but they’re a great idea. Also, what a view!