ILLUMINATING URBAN SPACES - EXPLORING THE ACTIVATION AND THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHTING ON USER BEHAVIOUR: THE CASE OF MARINA DISTRICT, LUSAIL, QATAR

Urban lighting has evolved beyond its functional role of ensuring visibility and safety to become a key determinant of how public spaces are experienced after dark. This thesis explores how lighting influences the activation of public spaces and users' psychological responses, focusing on the Marina District waterfront in Lusail, Qatar. Using a mixed-methods approach, integrating behavioral observations, lighting inventories, and user-perception surveys, the study examines how varying lighting conditions shape emotional comfort, perceived safety, and social interaction. Results show that balanced lighting enhances visibility and sociability, while adjacent dim zones provide opportunities for privacy and reflection. The findings highlight that lighting effectiveness relies on proportional distribution, contextual design, and visual comfort rather than brightness alone. The research proposes evidence-based strategies for designing inclusive, engaging, and energy-conscious waterfront environments applicable to similar urban contexts.