CHALLENGE

To reimagine the role of a traditional library by extending its by creating vibrant outdoor spaces that transform a beloved institution into a true community commons where connections flourish, cultural life thrives, and the role of the library can expand to meet contemporary community needs.

WSA designed a transformative outdoor extension that blurs the boundaries between library and community life, creating a seamless ecosystem of indoor and outdoor experiences that positions Grandview Heights Public Library as a dynamic civic anchor. Through collaborative engagement with library leadership and community stakeholders, we envisioned spaces that would allow the library to expand its impact while creating new opportunities for gathering, learning, and celebration.

The design centers around a striking pavilion that serves as both visual landmark and functional community space. This architectural intervention creates a welcoming threshold between the library and its neighborhood, drawing people outdoors and signaling that the library's mission extends beyond its traditional walls. The pavilion's open design provides sheltered space for a variety of activities – from outdoor storytime to concerts and community markets.

Adjacent to the pavilion, a flexibly programmed lawn area creates opportunities for larger gatherings, performances, and seasonal celebrations. repurposed shipping container housing the drive-thru service window adds another layer of innovation to the exterior design. This sustainable intervention provides a permanent solution to accessibility needs first identified during the pandemic, ensuring that library resources remain available to all community members regardless of mobility challenges or time constraints. The container's transformation into a service point symbolizes the library's own evolution from traditional repository to dynamic community resource.

The new outdoor spaces have fundamentally transformed how the community experiences and perceives the library, expanding its role from a place that houses books to a vibrant cultural commons that nurtures community bonds. The pavilion and lawn have become platforms for an expanded programming calendar that includes the library’s summer outdoor concert series. The drive-thru service window has democratized library access for parents with young children, elderly patrons, individuals with mobility challenges, and busy community members with limited time. Most importantly, the project has shifted community perception about what a library can be in the 21st century. Rather than being seen as a static repository of information, the Grandview Heights Public Library has become a dynamic platform for community engagement.