studies and research

Some of the notable case studies and research works done to understand the applicability of touchless faucets and soap dispensers in commercial spaces based on the principles of hygiene, efficiency, and usability are mentioned below:

1. FontanaShowers – Public Restroom Study (June 2024)

Fontana Showers has also conducted an in-depth study pertaining to the usage of sensor-activated bathroom fixtures in public toilets (airports, shopping malls, and hospitals) to verify the effect of touchless faucets on water usage and the efficiency of hygiene.

learn.chicagofaucets.com
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blog.fontanatouchlessfaucets.com
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Stern Engineering Ltd
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2. Fontana’s Accuracy & Reliability Case Study (June 23, 2024)

This case study involved the evaluation of 20 busy loos in commercial setting locations. Improved sensing accuracy, reduced false triggering, and water consumption reduction were the desired results.
blogs.fontanashowers.com

3. Stern Engineering – McDonald’s High-Traffic Washrooms (August 2024)

McDonald’s worked with Stern Engineering, Ltd. to install their SWAR sanitary cabinets in the busy washrooms of restaurant establishments. Each unit would feature touch-free faucets, automatic soap dispensers, hand dryers, and a thermostatic mixer-all assembled together for a hygienic and efficient experience. Results:

Less dripping and shorter queues

Reduced maintenance time and soap use

Improved user experience through intuitive LED guides

Better cost control and cross-contamination prevention
fontanashowers.com
+5
Stern Engineering Ltd
+5
Stern Engineering Ltd
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4. Stern Engineering – Shopping & Food Factory Revamp (March 2024)

A case study illustrated the way in which Stern’s Extreme CS soap & water combination resulted in improved restrooms at a Shopping & Food Factory outlet, increasing levels of cleanliness and luxury experience for its discerning customers.
Stern Engineering Ltd

5. Bravat/Project Case Studies & Metrics

Bravat’s project reviews include metrics such as:

Sensor Accuracy: ~80% fewer false triggers

User Satisfaction: ~92% positive response

Water Savings: ~36% reduction, with ~$372/month utility cost savings across 25 projects

User Preference: ~95% favor touchless; ~93% satisfaction from facility managers
Projects span healthcare, transit hubs, hotels, retail, and more.
Epicurious
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bravatshowers.com
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fontanashowers.com
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6. Bobrick – School District Restroom Upgrades

Bobrick supplied automatic soap and towel dispensers to a preschool through 6th-grade school district where care was needed to preserve existing bathroom plumbing.

Bobrick

7. Geberit (Chicago Faucets) – Designing a Fully Touchless Commercial Restroom

A guideline (rather than a project summary) from Geberit emphasizes that 72% of consumers perceive touchless restrooms as more hygienic. It lays out steps to build a fully hands-free restroom—faucets, soap dispensers, flush actuators, hand dryers—aiming for improved hygiene and user comfort.
learn.geberitnorthamerica.com

8. Historic & General Studies – Wikipedia Insights

Automatic soap dispensers have been widely adopted in public spaces since the 1980s. An example: Tampa International Airport installed 143 automatic urinals, 390 automatic-flush commodes, and 276 automatic faucets by 2003
Wikipedia
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Automatic (touchless) faucets are common in high-traffic settings like airports and hotels for their germ-reducing benefits
Stern Engineering Ltd
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Wikipedia
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Stern Engineering Ltd
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Summary: Comparison Table

Source / Project Installations & Features Key Outcomes

Fontana Showers Sensor faucets in public restrooms Water savings; improved sensor reliability
Fontana Showers (20 locations) High-traffic restrooms analysis Fewer false activations; water-use drop
Stern / McDonald’s (SWAR units) Integrated cabinets with faucet, dispenser, dryer Hygiene boost; maintenance reduction; queue control
Stern / Shopping & Food Factory Extreme CS duo in restaurants Revamped restroom experience; hygiene uplift
Bravat Multiple commercial projects across sectors High satisfaction; cost & water savings
Bobrick / Schools Touchless upgrades in school restrooms Hygiene improvement for children
Geberit Guidelines Design strategy for fully touchless restrooms Higher hygiene perception; planning resource
Wikipedia Historical Context Touchless tech adoption in public spaces (airports, hotels) Widespread implementation over time
Why This Matters

Hygiene & Infection Control: Touchless fixtures greatly reduce surface contact.

Operational Efficiency: Integrated systems (like SWAR) cut maintenance and queues.

Resource Savings: Proven reductions in water and utility costs.

User Satisfaction: Strong preference and usability feedback.

Design Integration: Many solutions are sleek, modular, and easily specifiable.

“

Great design is about how people feel in a space, not just how it looks.

Shigeru Ban

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shigeru Ban

Hospitality & Environmental Design Specialist

Shigeru Ban is a globally acclaimed Japanese architect and humanitarian design pioneer recognized for transforming contemporary architecture through innovative material use, sustainable construction methods, and socially responsible design within the AEC industry. Best known for his groundbreaking work with recycled paper tubes, mass timber, and lightweight structural systems, he has redefined how architecture can respond to disaster relief, environmental challenges, and human-centered community needs. His expertise spans cultural institutions, temporary housing systems, sustainable public infrastructure, and advanced timber engineering that combine structural efficiency with environmental responsibility. Through his humanitarian philosophy and commitment to material innovation, Shigeru provides valuable insight into resilient commercial environments, sustainable facility planning, adaptable restroom infrastructure, and the evolving role of low-impact, resource-conscious design in modern built environments.

Designer & Educator

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Author & Thought Leader