Explaining the Role of Light in Creating Spatial Desirability of Metro Stations with a Safety and Security Approach

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student, Department of Industrial Engineering, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Imam Hussein University (peace be upon him)، Tehran, Iran

3 Professor, Department of Architecture, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

This article examines the role of light in enhancing the spatial desirability of metro stations, focusing on safety and security. Given the underground and often dark nature of metro stations, proper lighting is essential not only for proper orientation and visibility, but also significantly affects the sense of security and comfort of users. The purpose of this research is to explain the place and role of light in the spatial desirability of underground metro stations and to understand the factors affecting the user experience and creating a safe and secure space for passengers; paying attention to passive defense considerations in these spaces will be protective and will serve as one of the components of power superiority and security in times of crisis. The research method in this study is descriptive-analytical and the data collection method is through completing a questionnaire. After identifying the indicators using library studies and referring to reliable sources, the opinions of expert experts are used to evaluate these indicators using a questionnaire tool in the context of the test content in question. By explaining the test objectives to them and providing them with operational definitions related to the content of the questions, they are asked to classify each of the questions. In the next step, questionnaire number two was distributed in 10 underground stations of the Tehran Metro (Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), Darwaze Shemiran, Imam Khomeini (may Allah be pleased with him), Shahid Navab Safavi, Vali Asr Square (peace be upon him), Shahr Theater, Tohid, Darwaze Dolat, Shohada Square, and Shadman); in order to examine the role and effect of each of the light quality components in improving safety and security indicators and to determine their status. SPSS software was used to analyze the questionnaire. The results show that among the 19 spatial desirability indicators, the following indicators: safety and security along with readability, accessibility and communication with a CVR of 0.68 have the greatest impact on creating spatial desirability in underground metro stations. Therefore, appropriate and planned lighting, taking into account the psychological and behavioral aspects of users, can effectively increase the level of safety and security in metro stations and ultimately help improve the overall passenger experience.

Keywords


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Volume 17, Issue 1 - Serial Number 65
Serial number 65. Spring 2026
May 2026
Pages 53-71
  • Receive Date: 09 June 2025
  • Revise Date: 11 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 17 December 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 May 2026