Context Matter
A progressive development strategy to scale art to architecture in the realm of sustainability and wellbeing
Inquiry Within
SQRYPT:
Context Matter
pronounced /skript/
As the founder and creative director for RYSQ LLC, I am trained as an architect, expeditor, and have worked in construction management in NYC for 20+ years.
Initially this concept of ‘places matter’ pivoted during the pandemic to heal spaces and trust buildings again in 2020 – 2024 and now has evolved to simply ‘context matters’
In 2024, Robyn went on sabbatical to revisit this core research and recalibrate the ‘Why’. When she joined the International WELL Building Institute seminars and workshops during the peak pandemic and became part of their task force to better serve the local community of small business owners, non profits, and local developers to safely re-open, she realized there could be a more informed way to cultivate this knowledge beyond the local context of where she chose to shelter in place in NYC and what she was most familiar with from a zoning and code perspective. Having experienced the building industry from all sides, all of her experience professionally has predominantly been in NYC, with small projects in Miami & DC area; however her training and studies was inspired by a whole world out there.
In 2024 she chose to embark on a travel sabbatical to revisit the research started in 2018 about pursuing the role of a developer on a shoestring budget for progressive Art Co-ops and Wellbeing spaces in the zone of the Indigo zones. Inspired by the original locations of the Blue zones coined by Dan Buettner, she continued the research as a goal to visit each location and explore the region where her creative drive resonated to meet likeminded vibes that aligned with a similar ethos. In 2024 & 2025 this led her to regions of Italy, Portugal, Japan, California, and Costa Rica. In 2018, she was inspired by Costa Rica, California, Italy, & the UK.
Best explained in this article about the proof of concept in Upstate New York.
The first official location to be in the Setouchi Region of Okayama, Japan in 2025 near Naoshima, a famous island for art and architect . The second location to be in 29 Palms, California in 2026
By 2028 the goal is to expand to Europe.
Building this network of Art Co-ops on different continents, helps fuel collaborative efforts with a whole spectrum of creative spirits and energy.
SQRYPT:
The Model
What is the service? Develop creative strategic guides tailored for building owners and small businesses.
Why? To HEAL – thy Buildings and TRUST Spaces again to open up when the time is appropriate to phase out of UN-PAUSE.
How? Through Prevention, Preparedness, Resiliency, Recovery
Where? In New York City
Basis of Design:
The WELL Health-Safety Rating for Facility Operations and Management is an evidence-based, third-party verified rating for all new and existing building and facility types focusing on :
- operational policies
- maintenance protocols
- occupant engagement
- emergency plans.
Feature C15 Part 1 & 2
Develop Emergency Preparedness Plan
Create Business Continuity Plan
Plan for Healthy Re-Entry
Provide Emergency Resources
Bolster Emergency Resilience
Feature C05 Part 1
Feature C07 Part 1
Feature A02
Feature M13 Part 1
Promote Health and Wellness
Share Food Inspection Information
Feature C01 Part 1
Feature C02 Part 3
Provide Sick Leave & Health Benefits
Support Mental Health Recovery
Promote Flu Vaccines
Promote a Smoke-Free Environment
Context
The WELL Health-Safety Rating focuses on six main health-safety themes, including
(In order to successfully achieve this rating – required 15 of 21 features) – Link
As a member of the Well Certified pandemic task force, this 20020 Sqrypt services provides strategic execution to achieve this health rating system
Content
Feature A12 Part 1
Feature A13
Feature A14 Part 1
Feature W03
Feature W01 Part 3
Feature A01 Part 5
Feature W02 Part 7
Feature A14 Part 2
Assess Ventilation & Maintain Air Treatment Systems
Develop Legionella Management Plan
Monitor Air and Water Quality
Manage Mold and Moisture
Feature W08 Part 2
Feature X09 Part 1 and 2
Support Handwashing
Reduce Surface Contact
Improve Cleaning Practices
Select Preferred Cleaning Products
Innovations & Alternative Adherence Paths [AAPs]
SQRYPT:
The Process
Small Businesses or Building Owners fill out a questionnaire, providing photos of existing conditions:
Architectural Plan & Reflect Ceiling Plan of Space in conjunction with Mechanical/Plumbing equipment specifications available.
Follow-up with site visit.
Develop plan & section diagrams based on existing conditions for how to re-design space and adjust occupancy loads to accommodate the new rules.
Refining entrances, foyers, lobbies, and egress sequences.
Retrofit of entrance doors, take out windows, cash wrap barriers, or door hardware.
For mechanical systems – upgrade to higher efficiency filters, clean and sanitize HVAC duct system, install UV light purification.
For Plumbing systems – thorough water test and flush of entire system, retrofit filtration system and temperature gauge, touchless fixture upgrades at sinks
Develop cleaning maintenance protocol
Signage: Safety distance decals, wayfinding updates by code
SQRYPT:
All in one
Fits all budgets
Include subcontractor contacts and manage process to obtain proposals and execute the workflow from initial site visit through completion.
Help research and coordinate orders for materials since there will inevitably be long lead times on filters, cleaning products, printing orders, etc.
If work goes beyond maintenance and creative interior retrofits (and filing with Department of Buildings is required) then RYSQ can coordinate with licensed architects and other professionals as needed.
The intention of this service is that it wouldn’t require that and to be able to perform at various budgets from shoestring to high-end.
