I spent a year in Chinatown, living in a space that was six feet by thirteen feet. It fit my bed perfectly when I’d unfold it in the evening. In the mornings I would have to fold it back, otherwise I couldn’t open up the front door. There was no kitchen in my apartment. It bordered my room out in the hallway, but I didn’t dare use it as the ancient Chinese couple down the hallway would throw vegetables at me when I attempted to use my own stove.
They were very protective about their space.