1972 Broadway, corner of 66th Street

Being that Barnes and Noble is a haven for knowledge and learning, a place one can go to to edify oneself through the written word (regardless of purchase, thankfully, as their attempt to perpetuate a ”lax vibe” results in many using it as a reading room), you may expect that it would house a stately, dare we say ”noble” restroom facility. On the other hand, being that Barnes and Noble is a large chain and must pander to the middle, must play things safely and not upset anyone, one can also reason that perhaps its restrooms will lack any distinctive character or charm. Surely, the very fact that it is a book store gives it some leverage, even as a chain, positioning it to rise above the sick green tides of the great unwashed masses.

So which aspect wins- purveyor of man’s intellect and achievements, or servant of the public’s (seemingly daily) lowering of standards? Unfortunately, the latter. The bland colors, oppressive lighting, and sinks that seem to just ”be there” all contribute to a positively bland and utilitarian exercise in restroom design. The foreboding partitions that form the walls of the stalls serve to make them look less like stalls and more like large coffins. Only the clean mirrors, reminiscent of a Buddhist monk amidst meditation, serve to bring some dignity to the environment.

Rating: 5

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