Sensory Cities After Dark: Assessing Spatial Experience and Risk Perception in Temporary Nighttime Urban Events in Macau

Temporary nighttime urban spaces are increasingly recognized as strategic sites for economic, social, and cultural development, yet research has predominantly focused on safety, wayfinding, and lighting quality rather than their broader spatial and sensory dynamics. Despite growing investments in nighttime economies, limited research explores how sensory and spatial configurations shape risk perception and environmental experience in temporary urban settings. This study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze how lighting quality and crowding perception interact to influence sensory experience and perceived risks across different activity types in Macau. Findings reveal that lighting quality mediates risk perception, while sensory engagement moderates the impact of crowding, challenging assumptions that density universally heightens spatial discomfort. These insights contribute to temporary urbanism and nighttime spatial adaptation research, offering guidance for urban planners and event organizers in designing safe, immersive, and economically sustainable nighttime environments.