1. A computer-implemented method for performing calculations related to a region of open space in a computer-aided design (CAD) model generated on a computer within a CAD application environment, the method comprising: identifying a region within the CAD model at least partially bounded by a set of drawing elements, wherein the CAD model is displayed on a display device; generating a space object representing the region, wherein the geometry of the space object is determined based on the set of drawing elements bounding the region, and wherein the space object is an element within the CAD model configured to represent properties of the region; associating the space object with the set of drawing elements bounding the region; calculating at least one area associated with the region based on the geometry of the space object; automatically updating the geometry of the space object in response to a change to at least one of the drawing elements; and displaying on the display device the set of drawing elements within the CAD model, including the change to the at least one drawing element, and the updated space object.