The C.K. Choi Building's composting toilets would give Singapore citizens fits.

A two-month toilet training drive has been launched in Singapore in an effort to turn the population into "A Gracious Society." Those who fail to flush a public lavatory after use are fined $145 for a first offence, $485 for a second no-flush and as much as $970 for failing to flush three or more times.

Of all the many environmental features of the C.K. Choi Building, the Swedish-designed/U.S.-made Clivus Multrum composting toilet has attracted the most attention. It looks remarkably like a normal toilet except that, without water, it's flushless. So, those who get used to it run the risk of forgetting to flush elsewhere.

During the last six months, visitors have left the following comments about their encounter with the Clivus Multrum.

Engineer: I came just to see your toilet. I've heard so much about it.

Professor: What you have here is an inside outhouse.

Architect: I didn't feel flush.

Custodian: The urinals, at least, should have water for flushing.

Professor: Don't drop your wallet in there; your dough will become fertilizer.

Professor: The toilet doesn't allow you to sit and read the papers. It is too drafty.

Professor: I was underwhelmed.

(Courtesy: Asia Pacific Report)