Trends in Universal Locker Room Design

Trends in Universal Locker Room Design

Current trends in universal locker room design at YMCAs and fitness & recreation facilities can offer state-of-the-art spaces that cater to the diverse needs of valued members. Enhancing locker room layouts and accessibility creates an inclusive, safe, and sustainable environment that is welcoming to all.

Key trends in innovative universal locker room design:

Amplified Convenience: SV Design understands the importance of streamlined facilities. We have found that increasing the number of changing spaces, sinks, showers, and toilets available to YMCA and fitness facility members helps reduce wait times, maximize the user experience, and improve efficiency.

Embracing Inclusivity and Privacy: YMCAs and fitness & recreation centers have become increasingly committed to providing equal access to locker room facilities that are ADA compliant and foster an environment that embraces diversity and promotes inclusivity. SV Design responds to the most current best practices of design and construction of locker rooms by maximizing flow, visibility, efficiency, privacy, and comfort within these spaces.

Privacy is of utmost importance in universal locker room design, as these spaces serve people of all genders and ages. To address this, the design must provide a variety of private spaces with full-height walls and doors to allow for changing/dressing behind closed doors, while the open area is used for activities such as grooming, storing one’s belongings, and changing shoes.

Many facilities choose to keep the traditional men’s and women’s locker rooms and add a third universal locker room – an approach that provides locker room design solutions for all membership. In the same effort to create both a sense of inclusion and privacy, it is recommended that toilet rooms and changing rooms in the men’s and women’s locker rooms are fully enclosed, in lieu of being constructed with thick plastic partitions to create stalls.

Enhanced Traffic Flow: Thoughtfully improving the flow of foot traffic in a locker room reduces congestion and ensures a safer environment, especially for members moving between pool areas and the drier areas of a locker room. Full utilization of space also allows for locker room design that provides expanded offerings and universal amenities such as steam rooms, saunas, stroller parking areas, or a mother’s room.

A Welcoming Space for All: SV Design applies design strategies to create welcoming spaces for all. Such strategies include code compliance, and exceeding accessibility minimums with clear, open spaces, avoiding too many turns in overall circulation, and automatic door operator buttons. Additionally, it is no longer the ‘norm’ to visualize a locker room as a utilitarian space. SV Design pays close attention to the use of materials to ensure they are functional, durable, and easily cleaned. Locker rooms are part of a facility’s member experience, just as public spaces, and require comprehensive design attention to color, the feel and texture of materials, lighting, and ceiling features.

SV Design’s ultimate goal in YMCA and fitness & recreation center design is to create an environment where all members, regardless of gender, identity, and accessibility feel respected, supported and welcome to utilize the facilities and amenities with ease and comfort.

If you are interested in learning more about SV Design's experience and expertise in designing YMCA and fitness & recreation centers, please contact us here.