The best way for me to approach constraints in a project is to initially think about them in regards to music. Oftentimes, in jazz songs, there are large solos for one or multiple instruments. These solos may or may not change keys, but while one is playing certain bars, they must stay in the designated key or else the solo sounds horrible, in most cases. But with eight notes, multiple octaves, and any number of rhythmic variations, an instrumentalist can easily work within the parameters, the only confines being what he or she knows or is willing to improvise upon. Occasionally, playing an odd note is good, because although it may initially sound off, it might fit better in the large scale.
For this reason, I think parameters and constraints are often good, because it gives me obstacles to overcome and a way to challenge myself creatively in order to solve a problem. It also allows me to come at a problem from multiple angles and create multiple solutions that work. There is no one answer to anything (except maybe a math problem), and as a result I think each person has to choose what works best as a design or solution, as well as what works best for them or their client.

An idea that I like from the reading is the one regarding the grid. Typically seen as squares, the ideas from The Modulor and the Japanese floor plans offer other options in place of a square grid. Instead, they propose an infinite option of grids and layouts for creative or utilitarian purposes. With all of the other factors placed into the equation, the grid can easily evolve to take a new layout that still allows someone to work within the space. The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio are also two pleasing mathematical sequences that allow a designer to view different possibilities based upon the numbers and proportions.

The saying “All work and no play”, although not actually mentioned in the text, is challenged here, particularly in the addition of paper cutout work such as Henri Matisse’s or Picasso’s painting. Paul Rand implies that there is an element of fun working with parameters that challenge a designer and a viewer without suffocating them or giving them too much freedom. This would allow them both “work and play.”