Urine deflector

In a corner of thePriory GatehouseinGreat Malvern

Aurine deflectoris a device for deflecting the stream ofurineduringurination.These may be part of achamber pot,latrineortoiletintended for the purpose, or they may bedeterrents,installed in the sides or corners of buildings to discourage their casual use asurinalsby passers-by. They may be constructed in various ways from a variety of materials but are typically designed to have an angled surface which catches and redirects the stream.

Intentional design

Potty with urine deflector at left

Equipment used fortoilet trainingsuch as apotty chairwill typically include a urine deflector to ensure that the urine does not splash forward and outside the receptacle.

Latrinesconstructed by theUS Marineswould contain urine deflectors made from sheet metal ortar paper.These would catch and direct the urine into a trough which would carry it to a separatedrainage pit.This would minimise theunpleasant smellwhich typically results from decomposition and production ofammonia.Other designs of latrine typically include similar urine deflectors to prevent degradation of the wooden components and the walls of the pit.

Deterrent

Urine deflectors are thought to be the earliest example ofhostile architecture.Such devices were common in the streets of London in the 19th century.A correspondent toThe Farmer's Magazinewrote in 1809,

... in London a man may sometimes walk a mile before he can meet with a suitable corner; for so unaccommodating are the owners of door-ways; passages and angles, that they seem to have exhausted invention in the ridiculous barricadoes and shelves, grooved, and one fixed above another, to conduct the stream into the shoes of the luckless wight who shall dare to profane the intrenchments.

Some may still be found in places such as theBank of England,Fleet Streetand theSavoy.Other cities where antique examples may still be seen includeLviv,NorwichandVenice.In other cities such asVienna,barriers such asiron railingsand spikes have been used to keep people away from attractive corners and crannies.

German cities such asHamburgandColognehave pioneered the use ofhydrophobicpaint on walls to deterWildpinklers.This water-repellent coating causes the stream to rebound at a similar angle and so wet the offender. Other places such asHackney,ManchesterandSan Franciscohave since evaluated the method for particular trouble spots.London'sSohodistrict was painted in this way in 2022 and Westminster council's full programme of deterrence also included posters, punishment and provision of more public toilets.

Gallery

• 
  Bank of EnglandinLothbury
• 
  Longshot of the Bank showing security camera directly above
• 
  Chester Crown Court
• 
  Clifford's InnPassage
• 
  in the Coach and Horses Passage inNewark-on-Trent
• 
  St Gregory's Church, Norwich
• 
  Jacob's Ladder inRamsgatewhich has deflectors in the corners of each landing

See also

• Manneken Pis
• Taking the piss
• Urine-diverting dry toilet