🧩 Why the Doors Don’t Reach the Floor

Although the design of stalls in public restrooms (with doors that stop some distance above the floor) may seem odd, the article explains that there are multiple practical reasons behind it. 

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🔍 Key Reasons Listed in the Article

1. Emergency Access

   • If someone inside a stall is ill or needs urgent assistance, the gap allows others to see or get help more easily. 

   • For example, someone might be incapacitated, so the design helps avoid full enclosure.

2. Easier Cleaning & Maintenance

   • With the door not going fully to the floor, cleaning staff can more easily mop or wash the floor under the stall doors.

   • This helps maintain hygiene in heavily-used public restrooms.

3. Cost Efficiency

   • Shorter doors are cheaper to manufacture, install, and maintain than full-length floor-to-ceiling doors. 

   • Hence this design is widely adopted in public restrooms to save on building costs.

4. Improved Air Circulation & Odour Control

   • The gap at the bottom helps ventilate the stall, allowing odours to disperse rather than accumulate. 

   • This means subsequent users may feel more comfortable.

5. Reduced Misbehaviour / Improved Safety

   • The design slightly reduces privacy, which can deter inappropriate behaviour in restrooms.

   • Others can more easily notice if something unusual is happening in a stall.

6. Indicates Occupancy / Speeds Use

   • The gap allows visual cues (someone’s feet, feet movement) to judge whether a stall is vacant, reducing awkward knocking or attempted entry. 

   • Also, the reduced sense of full privacy may encourage quicker use and turnover. Allows Assistance or Supply Passage

   • If a person inside the stall needs help (e.g., out of toilet paper), the gap allows passing of supplies or communication more easily. 

   • If someone were to get stuck (lock malfunction), the gap may provide a way for others to see or help.

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✅ Conclusion

The design choice of having stall doors that don’t touch the floor is not accidental or purely aesthetic; the article argues it addresses multiple real-world concerns including safety, hygiene, cost, ventilation, behaviour, and flow of use.