Fly-in Fly-Out (FIFO) Accommodation in Remote Regions: How Can Good Design Help?

Abstract

This paper explores how urban design principles can be applied to Fly-in Fly-out (FIFO) accommodation camps. A template adapted from Mark Francis’ Landscape Architecture method and was used as a structured observation schedule to qualitatively assess operating FIFO camps in regional Western Australia and other similar living environments. Observational fieldwork was undertaken at the FIFO camps which included site visits, semi-structured interviews, participant observation and photography. This paper reports on four of eleven lessons learned from the research. The findings discussed are aesthetics; site selection; safety and hygiene; and legibility of the camps. This paper proposes that quality urban design strategies can be applied to all developments where people live and work, not just cities. The precedent of erecting temporary accommodation modules during commodity ‘boom’ periods and construction phases with the unfulfilled intention of developing the site for operations staff often falls short of workers health needs. This practice can leave skilled workers living in dilapidated and unsafe dwellings in contrast to corporate expectations that require workers to be highly productive and effective during 24/7 operations. As resource extraction becomes increasingly geographically remote, the use of FIFO workforces will likely increase therefore potentiating improved living environments. The research suggests that the FIFO living environment is lacking cohesion and improvements in camp design may promote the health and wellbeing of workers. The paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge about how FIFO work impacts the FIFO workforce.