Franz Heinrich Schwechten (1841–1924): Architect of Wilhelmine Berlin Franz Heinrich Schwechten was a German architect born in Cologne in 1841 and died in 1924. He stands as one of the most prominent figures in German architecture during the Wilhelmine era, leaving an indelible mark on the cityscape of Berlin and shaping the aesthetic sensibilities of his time. His legacy resides not merely in grand structures but also in a profound engagement with historicist principles—a stylistic approach that sought to revive architectural forms and decorative motifs from past glories. Schwechten’s artis…