Uni-dilemma: refugee accommodation vs. research construction

Uni-dilemma: refugee accommodation vs. research construction

The property with some bushes still serves as a parking lot. The area on Thielallee 63 in Berlin-Dahlem is around 4000 to 5000 square meters. The Senate plans to build a container village for 260 refugees on the fallow uni.

However, there is resistance to this project, especially at the Free University. This is actually planning to build a building for teaching and research on the site. The university management feels over and emphasized that the area for its own construction work is urgently needed from 2023.

Free University of Berlin, however, signaled their fundamental willingness to support refugee people as part of their capacities. In the past, the University has already provided short -term support in accommodating refugees. The university points out that alternative locations are available for emergency shelters.

The Senate decided at the end of March the construction of 16 other container villages in order to meet the tense housing market. Despite some difficulties, it was possible to find a consensus. It is expected that further container villages are needed, since the need for living space for refugees is still high.

The discussion about the use of the Uniigeländ in Steglitz-Zehlendorf for a container village has led to ridicule and incomprehension. Free university is criticized on social media because it is usually considered cosmopolitan. Some users accuse the university of not providing temporary accommodation for refugees, even though they are otherwise presented as solidarity and tolerant.