The integration of Western architectural elements into traditional Chinese contexts is a significant area of study. This paper focuses on the Composite capital, a key element in Western classical architecture, and examines its localization in Jiangsu province, China, during the modern period. Between the 1920s and 1930s, many public buildings in Jiangsu adopted Western classical orders, including the Composite capital. This paper argues that the Composite capital's design in Jiangsu exhibited both period-specific evolutionary characteristics and variations among different cities, signifying a gradual localization process. To understand this process, the study employs a methodology that combines formal analysis (examining style and logic of design) and social analysis (exploring the influence of physical surroundings, social relationships, and cultural milieus). The overarching goal is to unveil the pathways of localization and explain regional design variations, providing a systematic model for studying regional architectural localization in modern China.

Existing research on Composite capitals primarily focuses on the Western classical order, detailing its formal characteristics and historical evolution. Scholars like Alberti, Pollio, Bullant, Gibbs, Chitham, Tadgell, and Tzonis have contributed to a theoretical understanding of the order's formal elements, proportions, and decorative motifs. Studies on localization in architecture often focus on cross-cultural comparisons of formal characteristics or vertical comparisons of formal connotations under cross-cultural thought. However, these approaches often lack a thorough consideration of the complex interplay of social, economic, political, and cultural factors driving architectural adaptation. This study bridges this gap by incorporating social analysis into the study of architectural localization, particularly focusing on the Composite capital.

The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining formal and social analyses. **1. Sample Selection:** 41 Composite capitals from buildings constructed in Jiangsu during the 20th century were selected based on criteria of explicit forms, visible patterns, and well-documented architectural history. The sample included capitals from central cities (Shanghai and Nanjing) and surrounding cities (Suzhou, Zhenjiang, Wuxi, Changzhou, Nantong, Lianyungang, and Suqian). The sample was further categorized by construction decade (before 1920s, 1920s, 1930s). **2. Formal Analysis:** This involved analyzing the formal style (motifs, shapes) and formal logic (proportions, scale, spatial relationships) of the selected capitals. The formal style was categorized into three types: retro Western style (1920s), abstract geometric style (1930s), and structured style (mid-to-late 1930s). Formal logic was categorized into: stratified as equal height (1920s), categorized as equal height (1930s), and structural order (mid-to-late 1930s). **3. Social Analysis:** This involved investigating how three dimensions of the social environment—physical surroundings, social relationships, and cultural milieus—influenced the localization of Composite capitals. Data sources included historical records, architectural guides, scholarly articles, and field surveys. The analysis explored the impact of factors such as economic conditions, technological advancements, international relations (European and American influence), and national identity on the design and evolution of the capitals.

The study revealed several key findings: **1. Temporal Evolution of Formal Style:** The formal style of Composite capitals in Jiangsu evolved through three distinct stages: a) Retro Western style (1920s): characterized by the integration of traditional Chinese patterns within Western classical designs, using both 'partially localized' and 'wholly localized' approaches. b) Abstract Geometric Style (1930s): a shift towards abstract geometric designs incorporating traditional Chinese geometric patterns reflecting the influence of Art Deco. c) Structured Style (mid-to-late 1930s): characterized by a structural integration of the capitals into the building facade, reflecting the adoption of modernist principles. This transition mirrored broader stylistic shifts in modern Chinese architecture. **2. Temporal Evolution of Formal Logic:** The formal logic of Composite capitals also showed a three-stage evolution: a) Stratified as equal height (1920s): maintaining the proportional logic of Western classical orders. b) Categorized as equal height (1930s): adapting to the demands of high-rise construction, resulting in a modified proportional logic. c) Structural Order (mid-to-late 1930s): the integration of capitals into the building structure, resulting in designs adapted to different viewing distances. **3. Influence of Social Factors:** Social analysis revealed the significant impact of various factors: a) Localisation of physical surroundings: The development of the construction market and advancements in construction techniques in the 1920s and their subsequent decline in the 1930s heavily influenced the design and material choices for the capitals. b) Localisation of social relationships: The shifting dynamics of international relations (European and American influence) and the rise of Chinese national identity impacted the stylistic choices. c) Localisation of cultural milieus: The tension between Westernization and the preservation of traditional Chinese aesthetics played a crucial role in shaping the design of the capitals. The study found that central cities (Shanghai, Nanjing) showed a stronger Western influence, whereas surrounding cities demonstrated greater diversity and adaptation of traditional elements. **4. Geographical Variations:** The study highlighted differences between central and surrounding cities. Central cities exhibited designs more closely aligned with Western styles, while surrounding cities showcased more diverse and localized designs, reflecting differences in economic development, social relationships, and cultural milieu.

The findings demonstrate that the localization of Composite capitals in Jiangsu was a gradual and multifaceted process. The observed patterns reflect the dynamic interplay between imported architectural styles and local cultural contexts. The evolution of the capitals from a retro Western style to an abstract geometric style and finally to a structured style mirrors the broader transition in modern Chinese architecture. The findings emphasize the importance of considering both formal and social factors when studying architectural localization. This approach provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape architectural form and meaning within specific cultural and historical contexts. The research contributes to a more systematic understanding of architectural adaptation and hybridization in the context of cultural exchange.

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the localization of Composite capitals in modern Jiangsu, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining formal and social analyses. The research reveals the significant impact of temporal and geographical factors on design choices. Future research could quantify the degree of localization in capital designs to further refine the understanding of localization pathways. This would allow for a more precise comparison of the adaptation processes in different geographical and historical contexts. Further research into the role of specific architects and their training would provide valuable insight into the agency of designers in shaping these localized forms.

The study's sample size, while substantial, might not be fully representative of all Composite capitals in Jiangsu. The reliance on historical photographs and documents could introduce biases or limitations in data interpretation. Further investigation into primary source materials and oral histories might provide additional insights. The focus on Jiangsu province might limit the generalizability of the findings to other regions in China.