I have seen a few homes in which the bathtubs are literally level with the floor - i.e. the rims are floor level so you have to step down into the tubs.

I have also seen a few showers in which the floor of the shower is similarly on a low level.

I look at this configuration and think it is a potential death trap?

Was this considered fashionable at one time?

Or does it have to do with some kind of short cut to run plumbing?