Pretty, Pretty Structures

What do floor tiles, wall coverings fabric prints and Islamic architecture have to do with each other? A lot more then one would think... All of those decorations mentioned above are inspired from islamic architecture and design. "Distinguishing motifs of Islamic architecture have always been ordered repetition, radiating structures, and rhythmic, metric patterns. In this respect, fractal geometry has been a key utility, especially for mosques and palaces" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_architecture). When I looked up floor tiles I saw an extreme similarity between the tiles placed in Mosques and other holy Islamic structures and the floor tiles themselves. The tiles were geometric shapes, usually squares or rectangles, which were put into some form of pattern. Usually they had a pattern within themselves which incorporated organic shapes and lines, swirling or flowing. The floor tiles are not used to decorate important places and are not as grand but more simple, unlike the ones in Islamic culture. Wall coverings and fabric prints are very influenced from the designs found in Islamic architecture. They have geometric and organic shapes-sometimes a combination of both-which are repetitive and can form a pattern. They also display the use of symmetry, both elements found within Islamic designs and rugs. The difference between the inside decoration of Islamic mosques and other holy buildings compared to European churches and holy buildings is interesting. Unlike the historical decoration and in your face religiousness of European churches, Islamic mosques have decoration which focuses on repetitiveness and circular motions, more medativefashioned much like mendala's, probably influenced from Asia. I had the opportunity to see this type of architecture in person when I visited India and went to the Red Fortress in Agra. The style incorporates geometric shaped structures with patterned organic and or geometric shapes decorating it. One of the main elements of their style is repetitiveness.
(Images are mine.)