This project investiages the architecture of Tsingtau during the German lease of Kiautschou Bay (1898–1919), administered as a Musterkolonie (model colony) under the Reichsmarineamt. It centers on Alfred Emil Siemssen, an entrepreneur without formal architectural training, who developed numerous independent projects in the city district of Chinesenstadt (Chinese city). Through his building style, Siemssen had a lasting impact on residential construction in the Chinesenstadt. Unlike official architectural efforts in the city district of Europäerstadt (European city), his work highlights the role of private initiatives in colonial urban development. The study examines land and building regulations, construction materials, labor relations, and production practices shaping the colonized urban fabric: Which resources were sourced locally, which were imported? How did German and Chinese craftspeople interact? What differences existed between Europäerstadt and Chinesenstadt in terms of building materials, construction methods, architectural style, structure, and decorative details? Drawing on archival research, a series case studies reveal how German colonial architecture was locally adapted, and enable a comparison with the impact of British colonial architecture in Asia.
