with Doug Mead, AIA, regional associate for Carroll Seating Co., Kansas City, Mo.

"In some locations, the self-contained locker room has become a design statement for the athletic department, especially in higher education markets," says Doug Mead, AIA, regional associate for Carroll Seating Co., in Kansas City, Mo.

The role these "design statements" have in the success of a sports program is pretty significant, Mead says. Because of their visual components, locker rooms are often determining factors when it comes to recruiting, promoting school pride, and even improving athlete health. Mead discusses this trend below, as well as the industry's focus on the locker's actual blueprint, design considerations schools should employ, and tips on inexpensive alternatives schools can use to personalize their locker rooms.

What options should schools consider when deciding to personalize team lockers for a specific team when several teams throughout the school year share the locker facility?

The first thing designers and athletic directors need to do is determine the storage requirements of the teams that will be using the locker room. Next, the amount of supervision of the locker room will determine the amount of security the lockers themselves need to provide—the more personal supervision provided in the locker room, the less security will be needed. The building's ventilation system is also important to the design of the locker, since airflow through the locker room and through the lockers will help prevent mold and mildew buildup. Last but not least, identify the teams that will be using the locker room.

Once these factors have been evaluated, the designers can begin to determine the personalization of the space. A trend we are seeing is that schools are crafting more open team areas and upgrading the materials of those spaces. Gone is the day of the concrete floor and exposed ceilings. Coaches and players are seeing upgraded finishes, open-front lockers, and carpeted floors designed for their space. The lockers themselves can then be customized.

We are also seeing specific needs being met by both wood and metal lockers with features that include built-in bench seating, electrical connections, and accessories such as mirrors and hanging systems. In most cases, these lockers have secured storage under the bench, locked personal storage area inside the units, and shelving and hanging spaces.

For personal touches, designers are crafting the lockers with changeable and magnetic nameplates, school logos, school colors, and end panels with silk-screened logos. Also, custommatched colors are an inexpensive way for schools to achieve a level of personalization as well as determine the type of locker used for a specific sport, team, or j.v./varsity level.

For a locker room that is not secured by a locking door, what features should a school consider to achieve an "open" look without sacrificing the need for security?

When the locker room is used for multiple groups, security is more crucial. The best thing a school can do is provide supervision. Coaches and staff provide the best level of direct supervision. Next, video cameras can be utilized for non-direct supervision.

Visibility within the locker room is an important aspect of security. Lowertier lockers provide fewer hiding areas. The old six-foot lockers on concrete benches provided many areas that were not visible to coaches and athletic trainers. Avoid layouts that create corners for people to hide in. Team areas can surround a central open meeting area, providing not only room for coaching but also good supervision of the locker room.

A typical layout could include a "U" or circle formation around the open area for team meetings. These lockers can still have locked doors but open to the team area so as to keep the focus of the team on the meeting at hand. Expanded metal mesh on all surfaces of the lockers not only provides great ventilation, but also visibility to the rows of lockers beyond. The door and locking mechanism need to be very secure. A three-point door latching with fully welded hinges is the most secure way of locking a locker. Designers need to make sure they review their specifications carefully when editing the master spec documents. There are several small things that athletic directors or facility managers can request to provide higher security within the locker, too.

What new trends in the locker industry are particularly suited to the needs of self-contained team locker rooms? Schools are making statements with their facilities for recruiting purposes at the college level, and for team pride at the high school level. Products that are being installed to fit this trend include larger, open lockers with smaller, secured cubbies and benches. Wood and all-welded metal lockers each provide their own solutions for this type of locker.

Some college teams are going with wood lockers because they feel it helps them in recruiting. What unique advantages do wood lockers provide and what innovative ways are athletic departments maximizing the use of wood? Wood lockers provide a visually dynamic space and create warmth and the feel of a more luxurious room. Many wood lockers today are custom-made for the specific sport the locker room caters to, but typically offer less security due to the openness of the locker. Most will have secure compartments built into the bench and storage cubbies. Some companies are now creating a "standard" wood locker, which offers the designers and end users the warmth of wood with the economy of pre-built lockers.

For metal lockers, what options are companies offering schools to give them an edge in recruiting? Steel lockers provide the highest level of security and durability. To maintain these high levels, some manufacturers provide upgrades to help customize the locker room. Integrated wood seats, custom perforated logos on doors, and matching the lockers to the school's colors are all examples of how manufacturers are optimizing steel units.