“Equinox + In The Park” explores the future of privatization, emphasizing public-private partnerships in public parks. Through an analysis of NYC park governance and Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS), it uncovers the increasing involvement of private entities. The envisioned scenario involves Equinox transforming Grand Ferry Park into a “health and wellness” space, challenging established boundaries of public realms.
In a three-part exploration, the first part delves into the intricacies of gym culture and its impact on public spaces. The second part explores a makeshift community gym’s dynamics, facing adversity due to clashes with park regulations. The study prompts questions about public space aesthetics, park citizenship, and the role of architecture in visibility. The third part examines the Rules and Regulations of the NYC Parks Department to reveal constraints on individuals, interventions are introduced in a catalog, directly challenging park rules and aiming to navigate and challenge stringent park regulations.
The culmination of this exploration envisions Equinox’s partnership with Grand Ferry Park, offering a glimpse into a future where public spaces undergo privatization in the name of health and wellness. Presenting a privatization catalog that adapts interventions to align with the company’s ethos, the exploration delves into potential conflicts between commercial interests and communal well-being in privatized public spaces.
