Wagnis eG, a housing cooperative based in Munich, was established in 2000 with the aim of creating innovative, community-oriented living spaces. Emerging as a response to Munich's housing challenges, the cooperative focuses on providing affordable, sustainable housing while fostering social cohesion. From its original 11 founders, Wagnis eG has grown to over 5,000 members as of 2023.
The cooperative has completed six major residential projects in Munich, encompassing more than 400 units. Among its most notable developments is WagnisART, built between 2012 and 2015 in the Domagkpark district, formerly a military barracks area. This project features 138 apartments in five interconnected buildings. Designed with a mix of subsidized and market-rate units, the complex prioritizes sustainability and community, incorporating passive energy standards, photovoltaic systems, and a tenant electricity program. Shared amenities, such as music rooms, studios, and roof gardens, further enhance its communal ethos. Involving residents in the planning process has been a hallmark of Wagnis projects, ensuring designs meet both individual and collective needs.
Another noteworthy project is Wagnis3, which introduces cluster apartments combining private living spaces with shared kitchens and communal areas, offering a pioneering model for affordable, cooperative housing. Wagnis eG’s work has garnered significant recognition, including the prestigious Deutsche Städtebaupreis in 2016 for WagnisART.
By emphasizing ecological responsibility and participatory planning, Wagnis eG continues to influence urban housing design locally and beyond, inspiring similar initiatives across Europe.