Another interesting aspect of ‘having space’ is that we do not need to be able to be physically in the space in order to experience it, it is enough to view or sense it from the distance. This advantage is particularly important in cities, where the location and view can be as important as the actual inhabitable space of the apartment. A view across an open landscape can expand the imaginary limits of one's home to the very horizon, while a blocked view confines one’s sense of space to the limits of the apartment. It is interesting to notice how the typically narrow Dutch city houses compensate for the limited apartment space with large windows. The same desire for personal space is expressed quite differently in places with less population density — where private houses are typically surrounded by fences, hedges or wide yards, claiming the personal space around one's home.

Though sometimes overlooked, the sound is another important spatial characteristic. Sound is a travelling audible form of information. When we are disturbed by it, we call it noise. Noise lets us know what is happening in the moment, it takes that which is on the outside and brings it to us, no permissions asked. Noise can cross great distances and ignore all physical and social barriers. Noise is a universal conduit, an unscrupulous communicator between spaces. Though the term ‘noise’ is frequently applied to sounds, it can also be used to describe something visible, social, or emotional. Any unwanted or unnecessary stimulation can be compared to noise if its presence makes it difficult for us to focus on the relevant, diverting our attention. Any sensory experience that we do not wish to receive can be called 'noise'.