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.