Locking worries away in changing rooms.

In years past, a locker room was usually nothing more than a place to store personal belongings. But the uncertainties, complexities, and turmoil of today's world have lended more significance to this area of the club, now more often referred to as the "changing room." This is, after all, the first and last stop guests make upon their arrival and departure from the club or resort. They have come here to feel safe, pampered, and cared for; therefore, this "transition" area from the outside world needs to set the tone.

Sensitivity of Design

From the initial design to completion, Bob Henry, principal at Robert Henry Design Architects (RHDA) in New York, considers every aspect of satisfying guests' desires for a calming atmosphere. His interiors offer a soothing retreat, engaging the senses and imbuing them with "a detachment from the normal waking life experience." For this purpose, RHDA's design focus has shifted away from creating one large locker room into making more individual, private spaces.

"There is a very different feeling between those words: locker and changing room," Henry explained. "Changing rooms are more intimate and have a series of alcoves and smaller areas, breaking up a total of 200 lockers into banks of maybe 20 makeup areas and/or changing cabinets associated with each of those areas.

Is there a change in design concept correlative to stressful times? Yes, Henry says. He suggests that on a psychological level, a more nurturing, personalized space is conveyed architecturally and through the use of certain materials. For comfort's sake, the goal is to create a cocooning cell--an individual space to provide privacy within the changing cabinet area, rather than out in the open space where people feel more visible and vulnerable. This need for privacy, Henry believes, might be heightened in the current unstable world climate.

This feel for seclusion is further enhanced through the use of indirect lighting. To create the visual suggestion of being hidden, light is reflected off the ceiling surface rather than from a directly exposed source. A concealing, comforting feel is created by the effect. For some spots in the changing area, however, such as in front of the full-length mirror, there is a need for direct lighting.

Michael Olson, director of design at Zmistowski Design Group LLC, explains that some key points in the design of locker rooms are space planning and zoning. "Proportion and scale of locker bays, zoning of wet function rooms from dry (tile floor vs. carpet floor), and visual and acoustic privacy from lounge gathering spaces," are all elements of utmost importance, according to Olson.

An interlocking web of treatment rooms with the changing room and any water treatments such as sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi is a superlative benefit to the guest seeking privacy. Ralph Newman, who plans fitness, spa, tennis, and other types of recreation facilities at WTS International, would add accessibility to a well-thought-out robe lounge. "It should be private in relation to the design of the locker room space so that it doesn't require guests to walk past the lobby or any public areas."

At Boyne USA Resorts, Executive Spa Director Maureen Vipperman wants individual space to be the number one factor in the design of changing/locker rooms. "In my experience, small locker rooms lead to cramped spaces where clients that are trying to change in and out of robes are right next to each other; especially in women's locker rooms, where modesty is a factor." The changing cabinet itself is half-size minimum, though whole is preferable in cold climates. And wood is the ideal construction material.

Design elements are approached differently for women than they are for men. Where women are concerned, it's often a matter of the designer's palette. At Zmistowski's, Olson recommends lighter color stains, high quality finishes, and luxury amenities--private dressing rooms and showers, seating, and massage rooms. The interior architecture is of a comfortable scale and proportionate to the female frame. Use of decorative lighting, rich fabrics, and finishes highlight the functional and scale-appropriate furnishings. Modesty considerations in room layout, visual privacy, and security are all part of the design. Most often, 14-16 inch wide wood lockers are selected.

Zmistowski compliments the masculine predilections with darker tones, natural wood finishes, leather upholstery, and over-scaled furnishings. A sports bar atmosphere is achieved with multiplex TV's, bar, and card playing, game, and pool rooms. Full amenities are figured in with private toilet rooms, private shower rooms, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and massage room. Finishes in the wet areas are stone and tile with high quality plumbing fixtures and 16-20 inch wood lockers. Custom decorative light fixtures are envisaged for both men and women.

For the women, Boyne's Vipperman recommends, "without question there is to be more than one toilet, a make-up and styling or vanity area, a seating area, and doors that open towards a wall, not a mirror." Experts at the Spa of The Cooper Aerobics Center and Cooper Fitness Center in Dallas, TX feel it is important to pay attention to member and guest privacy. "A locker room's wet area should include separate changing areas in addition to the closed off showers," says Sarah Grohmann, Cooper's corporate communications director. "And during this time of war and economic unrest, it is important to provide members with access to the latest news while not intruding upon them. Cooper Fitness Center has a TV tuned to a news channel with seating for those who are interested in updates. More and more locker rooms are also becoming a way for individuals to discuss the news and build relationships. Comfortable surroundings make that much more enjoyable."

Responsive Amenities

To accommodate harried guests, the must-have personal care products from a to z need to be kept well stocked, well placed, and thoughtfully presented. Zmistowski's Olson reminds, "with a strong spa market and desire to stay fit, youthful, and looking one's best, an integration of spa amenities is becoming more in-demand." The product lines from one treatment room to another as well as the cosmetics for women, after-shave for men, cleansing products, etc., all are to be accessible in precisely the appropriate location for a comprehensive spa experience.

If not a to z, Vipperman's list of accoutrements at Boynes is substantial, especially for women: "Must haves are what your clients need the most: towels, hampers, mirrors, shampoo, conditioner, shaving cream, body lotion, razors, styling products, disposable combs, (no hair brushes, for sanitation reasons), hair dryers, curling irons, deodorant (in spray form), mouthwash, disposable tooth brushes, tampons, pads, paper towels, band aids (for razor nicks), and of course, product samples."

For men, requirements are simpler, but definitive: lots of towels. "You might consider a television in the seating area. Things need to be seen and labeled. There's no need for lots of product here," Vipperman said.

With many years of spa management experience, Ralph Newman has thought a lot about the presentation of amenities. That special touch includes providing herbal teas, fresh cut fruit, bottled water, relaxing music--even a comfortable robe for sitting in between treatments. In both new buildings and renovations, just a simple touch will upgrade the locker room facility. He suggests to "revisit how amenities are offered to guests." Often, robe and slippers are given directly to guests when they check in at the front desk.

Newman finds it more private and personal for the guest to be merely given the key and then to find a personal cache of razors, a scented potpourri item hanging inside the cabinet, and a pair of slippers. In the steam room, be able to add affects such as eucalyptus, orange, or other invigorating scents. And for the multi-stay quest, to vary the aroma from one day to the next reinvigorates the senses. Another upscale touch is to place chilled towels outside of the sauna with sliced lemon atop for a thoughtful presentation.

Newman is pretty thorough in his assessment of supplies for women. He includes makeup remover, cotton balls, pre-moistened pads, and bath and body gels as items that round out the ever-ready provisions for women. In the shower, he advises to have attendants replenish items as needed. An added trek from the shower for a missing razor is a guest frustration to be avoided.

Of distinguishing features, past and present, Newman recalls presenting available spa amenities in the waiting lounge in clusters. If getting a facial with a particular brand of product, guests will find a brief explanation of the same product for a pedicure or eye treatment folded into a plastic stand surrounded on a silver tray by dispensers to smell and try out--a great cross market treatment. For another unique touch, you might want to highlight particular items from the spa cuisine, incorporating a menu in the locker room, presented near the phone so that guests can preorder lunch. Put a clever foot forward by pouring a footbath infused with aromatherapy oils for the guest who has arrived early for a treatment. Another idea Newman has introduced is providing wooden foot messages in the waiting room. These are noninvasive, relaxing, easy, and portable.

Providing all the necessary toiletries occupies a place of prominence in avoiding undue stress. "Busy individuals should not have to worry about missing an item," remarks Cooper's Grohmann. She also finds that providing helpful staff is crucial. "We have more individuals seeking out stress management information, skincare, and nutrition advice." Keeping up with demand, she adds that the spa at The Cooper Aerobics Center now has mineral makeup available for those who may want to purchase some last minute items.

Changing Locker Security

Retrofit if you must, says Newman; but there should be only one way in and one way out, not multiple doors. "There's nothing worse than seeing someone who doesn't work in the facility appear there," he said. It's only attendants who should appear in the robe lounge to check needs, and do so quite frequently for easy recognition. During insecure times, guests will feel safer if even they are expected to abide by security rules. At Boyne Resorts, Vipperman advises "guests with large or multiple bags to keep them at the front desk area of the spa. Furthermore, no cell phones are allowed."

The Zmistowski firm is secure in its knowledge of club and resort life as a comfort zone. "In private clubs there has always been a sort of sanctuary for members at the club," Olson explained, "It's the lounge within the locker room. Many famous clubs are recognized by their men's locker room amenities as accommodations for business deal transactions, relaxation after work, convenient business lunches, a get-a-way from challenges at home, the weekly gin game. I don't think security is a big factor since George or Frank the attendant knows who everyone is and will make sure that strangers are screened in a respectful manner and dealt with accordingly. The Scots and Brits are very adept and charming at it."

To fine-tune your establishment's hospitality acumen give some thought to a few other hitherto unmentioned nuances. Personalized locker combinations afford hands-free locker access. Added comfort may be found in reflexology slippers instead of the usual terry cloth. Heated tile floors, fresh-cut flowers, a shoe room for the cleaning, care, and storage of members or guest shoes all could relax tense nerves. It's up to club and resort owners to decide whether or not they can afford to skimp during tough times.

Adhering to the finest standards of design, presentation of amenities, and attentive services--whether in resort or club, spa or fitness center--will undoubtedly benefit the facility's image. But this same high quality accompanied by thoughtfulness contributes to the overall wellbeing perceived, sought, and assimilated by guests, especially during trying times.

GROVE PARK INN RESORT & SPa Asheville, NC

The only reminder of the outside world from The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, NC, is a view of the Western Carolina Mountains. The spa was built partially underground; native granite stone walls and cascading waterfalls bring nature indoors to the lounge, changing area, and treatment rooms. The only thoughts of consternation that may cross a guest's mind venturing into the spa facility would be associated with making choices from the lengthy list of treatments offered. There is a cool stone facial and warm stone body treatment, mud pie wrap, firming with collagen, and glycolic treatment. Massages include Swedish, Shiatsu, Reiki, reflexology, deep tissue, aromatherapy, and waterfall. There is color and light therapy with aura imaging, full body exfoliation, buttermilk and honey whirlpool bath, and body wrap, or, if you like, an aromatic bath with rose petals, candles, and champagne. Don't forget the scalp refresher. And women get a complimentary make-up application.