This article appeared in the Cornish Guardian, Nov. 19.

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Trust's Design Poser To Get Round A Fundemental Problem

In August of 1999, Cornwall will be invaded by an army of sun worshipers waiting for the solar eclipse. Despite heroic and innovative efforts to accommodate this influx, there will be many key areas of visitor care that will be strained to breaking point unless drastic action is taken.

No, not roads or accommodation, but toilet facilities.

It has been estimated that if only a small proportion of all the farmers and land owners eligible to entertain campers on their land for this event chose to, that both the sewage and portable toilet supply capacity of the region would be sorely put to the test, if not overwhelmed.

Plymouth Architectural Trust believes the answer could lie in the results of a competition it is launching to design and {sic} innovative, low-tech, recyclable earth toilet facility. The winning design should aim at producing a temporary, economical, hygenic and, above all, beautiful solution.

Broadly, the principle is that a demountable, temporary structure of multiple units is erected over a trench dug into the ground, which is then backfilled as it is used and the structure moved on to a new section of trench. This will, firstly, lighten the load on over-stretched mains sewerage facilities, reducing potential for river and coastal pollution, and, secondly, do away with the need for any secondary treatment of waste by artificial or chemical means.

The competion entries will be judged in two classes: schools (under 16) and adults (private amateur inventors and professionals alike). The most important aspect of the competition will be that the winning design will be made available through local media and the internet for free use across the region of the eclipse by anyone who chooses to.

What's in it for the entrants? Firstly, publicity (and use) of the winning design in regional and national press and on the internet, and secondly a magnificent trophy commemorating their achievement. The competition is being launched this week - Architecture Week. Entries must be submitted by March 1, 1999 and the winning entry declared on March 29, in good time to {sic} preparation for the eclipse.