A Space That Works Harder – Transforming Dragon School’s Changing Rooms
Changing rooms are among the hardest-working spaces in any school. They need to handle constant movement, rapid transitions, and high usage, all while remaining easy to supervise and simple to maintain. At Dragon School, these demands had outgrown the existing facilities.
The original changing rooms were functional but tired. Old mesh lockers dominated the space, creating a cold, dated atmosphere that felt more utilitarian than welcoming. The layout itself restricted sightlines, making supervision difficult and the space feel enclosed during busy periods. While the rooms did their job, they no longer reflected the school’s standards or character.
A Thoughtful Brief
Dragon School set out a clear and practical brief. The aim was to create smart, modern changing rooms for both boys and girls that worked better for students and staff alike.
Improved visibility was a priority, with a more open layout needed to support supervision and create a calmer environment. Secure storage was also key, leading to the introduction of combination lockers that offered a more robust, user-friendly solution. In addition, the school sought to improve everyday usability by incorporating dedicated shoe storage and generous seating to make changing quicker and more comfortable for pupils.
The space’s visual identity mattered too. By introducing a bold blue-and-yellow colour scheme, the school wanted the changing rooms to feel connected to Dragon School’s wider environment rather than separate from it.
Shaping the Space Together
Witley Jones worked closely with Dragon School to develop a layout that directly addressed these goals. The collaboration focused on how the space would be used throughout the day—where students would gather, how they would move through the room, and how staff could maintain clear lines of sight without making the space feel overly open.
Storage and seating were designed as integrated elements, supporting organisation while helping to define the layout. This approach kept the room open and legible, reducing visual clutter and improving overall flow.
Colour was used with intent. The blue and yellow lockers create a strong sense of identity, adding energy and warmth to the space while maintaining a clean, orderly feel.
A Quiet Transformation
The completed changing rooms provide a noticeably improved experience. The environment is brighter and more welcoming, with clearer sight lines that enable effective supervision. Students enjoy better organisation, secure storage, and practical seating that makes daily routines easier to manage.
The result is a space that feels modern, purposeful, and aligned with Dragon School’s character. Not a dramatic reinvention, but a carefully considered transformation that shows how thoughtful design can subtly enhance everyday life.
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