Abstract
In this paper, the authors shed light on roshan [Figure 1] and jali: [Figure 2] two traditional architectural spatial devices that served essentially as hijab (veil) in Islamic dwellings of Saudi Arabia and India. The authors will discuss its concept, etymology, historic background, construction materials and techniques and provide comparative analysis of how these forms were utilized in dwellings of Saudi Arabia and India as a spatial device for: 1) separation of spaces; 2) to provide privacy and security; 3) to control and filter light; and 4) to control micro climate of the dwellings. The authors thus show how these two architectural forms are not just decorative elements for aesthetic beauty, but serve various spatial, social, cultural, religious and climatic functions. In conclusion; the authors will provide suggestions as to how these traditional architectural forms can be useful in developing sustainable design solutions for the 21st century architecture. The authors utilized two qualitative research methods, including literature review and case studies to collect the data for this research. Grounded theory was utilized to analyze the data. Conclusions were drawn based on authors' findings.