“We have recently tried to reflect on the reasons why we used square grids so often. The figure of the grid is usually associated with notions of rationality and neutrality. We considered out use to be quite different in the sense that our grided plans were mostly incomplete and that we were driven by the wish to articulate the constraining nature of architecture and the evolving nature of uses and activities.

For us the grid is a constraining figure that involves repetition, rigorous geometries, and particular spatial experiences. These constraints offer freedoms that are very different from those offered by a typical open plan that is supposed to guarantee maximum flexibility.

They call for a play on variation between degrees of completion and incompletion. They are both architectural content and a way of supporting content.

As opposed to the open plan, they call for appropiation and evolution moore than absolute flexibility. […] If you look at it this way, the grid […] is anything but neutral. It is a constraint that calls for appropiation.”

(All emphasis mine)