West Begroot Proposal: Urinoir Paaltjes Voor Honden

 
 

Plaza | Plein

In order to address the sanitation issue arising from increasing number of dogs urinating and stooling on the streets, we propose urinoirs for dogs—with plumbing to the sewer.  These will include a grate at street level over a drain, covered in drainable astroturf surrounding a “paaltje”-shaped hydrant that can flush away urine.  In high-traffic areas that have become filthy from the urine of dogs (and people), Urinoir Paaltjes can improve the aesthetics and the smell, as well as the public image of Amsterdam.

The Plan | De Plattegrond

The “Amsterdammertje”-style dog urinoirs will be fabricated of rust-resistant materials (similar to the water fountains, lamp-posts and paaltjes already found around the city) and connected to extant sewer pipes and water supplies. A “flush” mechanism can be easily adapted to allow residents to leave the area fresh and clean.

Sidewalk | Voetpad

Multiple design modifications are possible—for instance: a paaltje urinoir that sits flush with a wall. This plan would include a corrosion resistant backing to protect the frequented spot.

The original plan stands in the open, while this version is tucked away at a frequently-peed spot on the sidewalk.

 

Amsterdam has long worked to tackle this hundreds-of-years-old public urine problem.

Urinoir Plattegronden (and Urinoirs) in Amsterdam, designed in 1880. (Ons Amsterdam magazine, Reclamezuil Met Plasaccommodatie June, 1971)

Amsterdam Bylaw from 12 December, 1557, prohibiting misuse of the street as a toilet or urinal, and prohibits the throwing dung or other filth on the street. (Bylaw image via Municipal Archives Service Amsterdam in Ons Amsterdam magazine, Reclamezuil Met Plasaccommodatie. June 1971.)

Iconic

Amsterdam

The Amsterdammetje, or paaltje, has become a symbol of the city—easily recognizable. For this project, it serves as inspiration for a new way to keep a beloved city clean and cared for by all kinds of residents.

Dogs already see the paaltjes as pee targets—why not take advantage of the “Pavlov” effect?

For inquiries, please send a message via the Contact page.

Leave your comments: https://westbegroot.amsterdam.nl/plan/50616

Illustrations by Illuminator Omnimedia/Cody Saxton.

All rights reserved, 2025.