When the hobby shop was still in business, I had access to a magazine called "Continental Modeller". I suspect, from what I saw there, that the UK is not the only place where "domestic space" is at a premium. The benefit, for want of a better word, is the quality, and quantity of detail invested in the smaller "displays". This is is something seen in the military dioramas. The time is spent, not in filling a basement, but in creating highly detailed, and historicly accurate scenes.
For the model railroader, modules, compatible with others, makes possible operation on a large "layout", while not taking up excessive space at home. I have the benefit of membership in the Lake County Model Railroad club, and being part of the Lake County Society of Modular Engineers. I have a permanent layout, and the modular layout, to run long trains on, and my living space is "uncluttered".
uncluttered; adj. Amer. Eng.; Describing a space, through which one may pass with relatively few injuries, or minimal damage. :-D