This thesis examines how lighting and trees influence experienced stress in a metro station plaza. A Virtual Reality experiment of a site-specific environment at the Bullewijk station plaza in Amsterdam was conducted with 47 participants. Each participant experienced five scenarios that varied in day or night, lighting tone and distribution, and the presence of trees, including the current as-is configuration. Stress was assessed using questionnaires (SSSQ-10 and single-item appraisals of safety, attractiveness, and intended use) and an Empatica E4 wristband to measure electrodermal activity and heart rate. Statistical analysis using Linear mixed models, cumulative link mixed models, and planned contrasts, showed clearer psychological than physiological effects. Night scenes increased distress and reduced perceived safety and attractiveness relative to day scenes. At night, warm lighting increased safety, attractiveness, and the intended use compared with the existing cool lighting. Trees added smaller but positive contributions. Women showed larger night penalties and stronger gains from warm lighting, while age-related differences were not found to be a strong predictor. Interpreted through ethical-spatial and behavioral lenses, the findings suggest that upgrades in night lighting, and possible addition of trees, can reduce experienced stress at station plazas, enhance the quality of public spaces, support inclusivity, and improve pedestrian mobility opportunities.