The first video (NYC) shows a bunch of deck chairs, aluminum umbrellas, plastic potting containers... Are these things built to last? Who brings the chairs in at night? How difficult is it to knock over a plastic planter? Is the plastic UV-resistant?

This all looks very temporary to me - maybe just Round One of NYC urban redesign at this intersection. Are these furnishings typical of European public spaces (plastic, aluminum, instead of stone, steel, concrete)?

Bryant park uses some nice Steel Folding Chairs for their Lunch-Crowds.

Baby Steps, Brother. If you're putting out a fire, you might have to start with any old thing that carries water.