Proposal:Lavoir

Washing place in Italy

Lavoir
Proposal status:	Draft (under way)
Proposed by:	Zoubiddaaa
Tagging:	amenity=lavoir Data item
Applies to:
Definition:	This element marks a washing place.
Statistics:
Draft started:	2010-08-23
RFC start:	no start
Vote start:	no start
Vote end:	no start

Why this tag ?

The Lavoir at Bonnat, France

A lavoir (this name is borrowed from french where such washing places take a very particular place in local heritage) is a special amenity where people come to wash clothes manually. As "lavoir" is meant a public place (or a place which used to be public).

Beware : lavoir as washing places should not be mistaken with bath and wash houses.

In Europe they are frequently covered with a roof, they may have no or only low walls. They are frequent in rural areas next to rivers or pounds.

In urbanized regions with running water service, they have a mostly historic interest (heritage). It seems that they are of special importance in France (and also in the rest of Europe ?) where many of such old amenities have been preserved or restored. They are often used by walkers or cyclists to have a break.

File:Lavoir yaounde.jpg

Washing place in Cameroun

In area where there's no running water service, such washing places may be already used, that's why historic=* seems inappropriate and it seems preferable to use amenity=* key instead.

File:Lavoir gambie.jpg

Washing place on Gambie river

Which tag to use ?

• amenity=lavoir to mark a lavoir
  • shelter=yes/no to indicate whether the lavoir is covered or not. The lavoirs are usually covered.
  • water=yes/no to indicate whether there is more water flowing in the lavoir. There's still water in most lavoirs.
  • access=yes/no This tag is used to indicate whether the lavoir is accessible or not. Currently, the lavoirs may be convicted doors to prevent vandalism.

See also

• Lavoir on wikipedia
• lavoirs.org - Examples of lavoirs over the world.

Comments

See the talk page for comments.