Tile In China Environmental Decorative Design Application

China’s urbanization development should harmonize local needs and culture as the same development as the rest world. More and more designers commence to research how to harmonize relations between traditional culture and contemporary design. Under this trend,"roof tiles" in traditional architecture have become a symbol of Chinese culture in the eyes of designers. Based on unique understandings, a designer is able to reorganize and redesign tiles in environment art and even wider fields. This article covers roof tile decoration research with four parts:The first part is to research the origin of tiles in traditional Chinese architecture, classify relations for the concept of tiles and understand the development of roof tile components including roll tiles, eaves tiles, dripping tiles and spinal animal parts in different history period. Then focus on analysis of various parts of the components such as form, material, shape, pattern, layout and color etc. This article focuses on the use of combination shape of tiles in environment art design, researching and describing based on tiles.The second part is to research the relations between tile decoration and traditional environment art in architecture. Tiles using in architecture are not only for practical function but also for decoration. It presents the same beauty in contact with other architecture components such as partition boards, grille windows and pattern floors etc. Familiar design form of combination for tiles is created after comparison with these components. Tile changes in contemporary design have met the above research.The third part is to research the value of tiles in ancient architecture environment:historical value, cultural value and artistic value. Because of the ritual influence in ancient time, different style of tiles with different materials, colors, pavement and decoration strictly identifies different social class of buildings, for example, palaces, temples and civilian houses. Tiles, as a decorative element, should be understood clearly if we understand its history.The last part is to research design trends of tiles in contemporary environment art. In ancient time, tiles, as a building component, were used for keeping out wind and rain, protecting items under buildings, beautifying environment. Today, tiles are not only as a building component, but also a carrier of history and spiritual culture. Contemporary buildings are in need of emotion, requiring a dialogue between the return of traditional spirit and the mutualism of modern civilization, furthermore, reflecting a relationship between human being and the nature. Therefore, it is worthy to think over how to express heritage and innovation to traditional culture in contemporary design.