How to Design Locker Rooms

Operators of fitness facilities have more than equipment, services, and classes to worry about nowadays--clients are increasingly concerned with the nature of the locker rooms. Whereas heretofore cleanliness constituted the main locker room issue, users now demand more privacy, a more spa-like setting, and amenities such as lounge areas and mounted televisions. Some design firms now focus solely on developing locker rooms. If you have the time to do a bit of careful planning, you can design your own locker room.

Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the intended use for your locker room--this will be the main factor to address in designing a facility. You can start by asking yourself the following: "How many locker and storage spaces will be needed? Who will primarily be using the locker room (males, females, families)? What extra amenities (lounge chairs, televisions, etc.) would those using the locker room most appreciate?

    • 2

      Choose decor and accessories to make the locker room more comfortable. Hervey Lavoie, president of the locker room design firm Ohlson Lavoie Collaborative, estimates that 15 to 40 percent of gym patrons do not use locker rooms because they are uncomfortable.

      Aside from the color scheme, you can try adding faux or live plants, a towel warmer, quality curtains to separate showers and make them more private, and decorative bowls to hold supplies such as soaps and shampoo.

    • 3

      Design the locker room so that the toilet area is separated from the shower facilities by a wall or partition. Not only is this practical, since it will eliminate the need for separate restrooms, but also it will add to the privacy of the locker rooms.

    • 4

      Separate the locker rooms into distinct areas. Aside from just having facilities for males and females, you may want to add family rooms or locker spaces, a section of the locker rooms for adults only, or small storage areas located just outside of the primary locker rooms where those who want to only change their shoes or keep their bags can quickly put away their things.

    • 5

      Group the lockers and storage spaces into no more than 10 per area--this will keep the locker room from feeling cramped. For example, if you want the locker room to have 20 lockers or storage cubicles, you can place 10 along one wall of the room and another 10 along the opposite wall.

    • 6

      Contact a plumber, if needed, to renovate your showers or toilet systems. You want to ensure that everything is set up correctly, and that the facility meets your city's code requirements.

    • 7

      Purchase the storage and lockers, furniture, and accessories you wish to install from a supplier such as Locker Supply or Pure Spa Direct. If you own the facility, work there or have been hired as the principal designer, you may be able to get a business discount.