This thesis investigates the reconstruction of Ålesund following the catastrophic fire of 1904, with a focus on the role of German architectural influence, particularly Jugendstil, in reshaping the city’s urban identity. In the aftermath of the fire, Ålesund underwent a comprehensive rebuilding process that resulted in the emergence of a distinctive architectural character, unprecedented in the Norwegian context. Central to this transformation was the involvement of German-trained Norwegian architects and the symbolic contribution of Emperor Wilhelm II, whose humanitarian aid and diplomatic presence reinforced German-Norwegian cultural ties.

Through a combination of historical analysis, archival research, field studies, and qualitative interviews, this study examines how the stylistic vocabulary of German Jugendstil was adapted to Ålesund’s local context. While the architectural forms drew from international trends, they were modified through the use of native materials, motifs rooted in Norwegian vernacular traditions, and responses to pragmatic needs such as fire safety and urban planning efficiency.

The thesis further explores how this imported architectural language became embedded within the city’s evolving cultural identity. Initially perceived as foreign and met with ambivalence, the Jugendstil legacy of Ålesund has, over time, been reinterpreted through processes of collective memory, heritage preservation, and cultural tourism. By situating Ålesund within broader debates on architectural globalization and identity formation, the research offers a critical case study of how post-disaster reconstruction can catalyze long-term redefinitions of place and belonging.