Glow and flow: Urban lighting and the making of a vibrant waterfront in Lusail Marina, Qatar

Urban lighting shapes emotional and behavioral responses in public spaces, influencing perceptions of safety, comfort, and social engagement. This study investigates the psychological and behavioral implications of urban lighting along the Marina District waterfront in Lusail City, Qatar. A mixed-methods approach, combining lighting inventory, behavioral mapping, and user perception surveys (N = 40), was applied to examine how lighting characteristics affect user experience. Results indicate that moderate brightness levels (10–15 lx) and warm color temperatures (3000–3500 K) enhance visual comfort and sociability, while balanced illumination improves safety and orientation. Variations in tone and intensity supported diverse behavioral patterns across active and resting zones. The findings correspond with the Sense of Belonging framework, linking accessibility, comfort, sociability, and attachment. Sustainable and adaptive lighting strategies aligned with the are proposed to guide evidence-based, human-centered design for waterfront environments in Gulf urban contexts.