Fortification conditions: The human perspective

How are people affected by working underground for extended periods? As the need for protected facilities once again becomes increasingly relevant, so too does the need for knowledge about the working environment in fortifications. This project examines how factors such as lighting, noise, sleep and physical design influence the performance, wellbeing and endurance of personnel working in underground environments.

Historically, Sweden has made major investments in underground fortifications to protect military and civilian functions. Many of these facilities were later decommissioned, but the changing security situation has once again highlighted the need to permanently, or when necessary, protect critical operations. As a result, there is also a growing need for knowledge about how people are affected by working in fortifications over longer periods.

How the working environment in fortifications affects performance

The working environment in fortifications (that is, protected facilities often built underground to withstand attacks and protect people, equipment or vital functions) differs from ordinary workplaces. These environments lack daylight, are isolated from the outside world and may involve prolonged stays without the possibility of going outside. At the same time, personnel are expected to carry out tasks requiring high levels of concentration, effective cooperation and decision-making, even over extended periods and under demanding conditions. To ensure that operations can be conducted effectively, we therefore need a better understanding of how these environments affect human performance, wellbeing and endurance.

Knowledge to improve the working environment

Research on the working environment in underground fortifications is limited. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge about which environmental factors support or hinder personnel’s ability to work effectively over time. The purpose of the project is therefore to identify how working in fortification environments affects cognitive ability, performance and wellbeing, and to generate knowledge that can be used to design, adapt and improve such environments.

A project in two phases

The project is carried out in two main phases. The first phase gathers experiences from people who currently work, or who have previously worked, in underground fortifications. The second phase examines more directly how factors such as lighting, acoustic conditions, physical design, work routines, sleep and recovery affect performance and wellbeing. The results will provide practically applicable knowledge for the modernisation of existing fortifications and for the planning of new fortifications within both civilian and military defence.