What feels like a privacy flaw is actually a compromise between personal comfort and public safety. That open strip near the floor lets staff or first responders quickly see if someone has collapsed, is unconscious, or in distress, without breaking down a door. It allows communication, passing small items, and verifying occupancy in crowded, high-traffic places where every second can matter. In emergencies, the difference between a solid wall and a small viewing gap can be life-changing.

Beyond safety, the gap keeps restrooms more usable for everyone. It improves airflow, helping ventilation systems clear odors and moisture faster in spaces that are constantly in use. It also lets cleaning staff work quickly, mopping and inspecting without opening every stall, which matters in airports, schools, and malls where downtime is limited. The design may feel uncomfortable, but it reflects a quiet trade-off: a little less privacy in exchange for cleaner, safer, more efficient public spaces.