BLT Architects set this locker room apart with natural wood, light colors, open displays, and airy artwork
“It’s important to consolidate all of the enclosed spaces as much as possible. For example, grouping
together the wet areas of the locker rooms—the toilets, sinks, and showers—not only improves the efficiency of the plumbing work, but also allows the non-enclosed spaces—the lounge, locker, and vanity areas—to be in a more contiguous relationship. This type of grouping eliminates the need for floor-to- ceiling walls, creating one big space, with the lockers appearing almost as pieces of furniture within the room. The effect is an overall feeling of a larger, more gracious interior.” More space-enhancing tips:
• High ceilings can add an illusion of grandeur, even when floor space is limited.
• Don’t just keep the doors open; get rid of them! Entryways can be designed in a way that eliminates sight lines and ensures privacy. In addition to feeling more open and inviting, this approach is more user- friendly for members lugging a heavy gym bag or other gear.
• Balance circulation space with locker count. “If you have adequate room for a person to stand at the vanities, another to pass by, and yet another to stand at a grooming station, your locker room will not feel as cramped,” counsels McDonald.
And if you’re uncertain about how your fixtures or areas should be set up, common sense should
prevail, says Fabiano. “For example, the toilets and showers should not be visible to the rest of the locker room areas. Today, toilets are no longer stalls, but individual rooms with doors. You need to make the personal spaces personal.”
MORE ON THE FLOOR
In addition to providing durability and safe footing, locker room flooring can help create the sensation of space. “Spaciousness can be emphasized by minimizing the number of different flooring materials, as well as
organizing them in such a way that circulation areas are clearly defined,” Seymour says. “Minimizing bold patterning will also help create a more open and spacious feel.” McDonald adds: “If the space is chopped up with all kinds of different flooring, it can look patchy and
diminutive. By carefully planning where the different flooring materials occur, and how one transitions to the other, the room can appear more flowing and unimpeded.” Braun offers a final bit of advice for club owners, whether they’re remodeling or building from scratch: consider the big picture. “Contrast the small support spaces with the concentrated common area,” he suggests. “Use ceiling heights, lighting, and finishes that differ from the individual, focused spaces. Inter- link the spaces to flow together expanding on the whole, versus a series of small detached alcoves.” —|
– Jon Feld,
jfeld@inc.com www.
ihrsa.org | JULY 2011 | Club Business Internat ional 51
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110