Are Public Parks Becoming Playgrounds for the Wealthy?; Ideas for Furnishing Your Fire Escape

• Are independent park managers and private-public partnerships, like we’re seeing with Barry Diller and Pier55, turning public parks into playgrounds for the wealthy? [New Republic]
• You’re not the only one who eats on the floor in front of the television. Check out this photo series of how New Yorkers really eat in their cramped apartments. [Business Insider]
• These balcony-based products (New York translation: fire-escape products) will really spruce up your outdoor space. [Core77]
• Want to learn more about NYC’s terra cotta buildings? Attend this lecture February 17th lecture by Dan Allen of CTA Architects. [NY Landmarks Conservancy]
• Never worry about getting your umbrella stolen again with this combination locking design. [Yanko Design]

Images: Rendering of Pier 54 via Heatherwick Studio (L); Fire Escape furniture via Rephorm (R)