He’s describing liminal space. It has nothing to do with being tricked into thinking you’re on a space station. It’s about being somewhere our brain knows should have lots of people, but you’re alone.

I’ve walked through train stations late at night and had those moments before. A gaping maw of a walkway meant for rush hour pedestrian traffic… completely empty and silent.

Edit: ??? I guess liminal space is really upsetting for some people.