In Munich, the ‘More than four walls’ project is examining the current practice of accommodating refugees in properties being used on a temporary basis. These properties are owned by ‚Münchner Wohnen‘ (the municipal housing association) and are made available to the city for a limited period before the buildings in question are renovated or demolished. The aim of the academic evaluation is to determine whether, and under what conditions and within what limits, temporary use is a sensible practice and can be beneficial for all those involved.
Following an initial phase of interviews, project staff and city officials met on site on 21 August 2026 to discuss key issues as part of a focus group. These included, for example, the selection of flats and refugees, support during their stay, and the subsequent transition to independent living.
The visit to Munich was complemented by a tour of vacant flats in which refugee families are soon to be accommodated as part of the temporary use scheme.
Photo: Sonja Reinhold
