How Community Insight Transformed a Library Project
Pulse leverages quantitative and qualitative research that our design strategists interpret into tailored design criteria.
Grandview Heights Public Library initially came to us with a straightforward request: help us design a centralized circulation desk as our highest priority. But our Pulse research process revealed something unexpected. The community needed more than an updated interior feature — they wanted a true connection point.
Pulse works differently than standard engagement. We dive deeper into what organizations and communities actually need. For Grandview, this meant gathering insights from library leadership, patrons, and neighborhood stakeholders through multiple channels.
The research painted a clear picture. The library aspired to evolve beyond being just a place for books and become a cultural center where community bonds could strengthen. People wanted accessible outdoor spaces where programs could expand beyond the building's walls.
This evidence-based approach shifted the entire project. Instead of focusing on the circulation desk and a new centralized staircase, we created a striking outdoor pavilion that now serves as both landmark and gathering space. The design includes flexible lawn areas for events and an innovative drive-thru service window housed in a repurposed shipping container — making library services accessible to everyone.
Today, the pavilion hosts summer concerts, outdoor story times, and community markets. The library has transformed how it serves Grandview Heights, extending its reach and impact in ways that wouldn't have happened without this research-driven process.
The project demonstrates what makes Pulse valuable. By understanding an organization's true needs and ambitions, we create spaces that perform on multiple levels, improving functionality while strengthening community connections.
Sometimes the most effective design solution isn't what's initially perceived as the client’s highest priority, but emerges through thoughtfully gathering and analyzing the right information and letting that evidence guide the design process.
