Conceptual inspiration from heritage: the design philosophy surrounding the Saudi Arabian Rowshan

Abstract

Rowshan is a distinctive architectural element and a primary component of the façades of traditional houses in western Saudi Arabia. It is window type primarily made from wood and is incorporated in contemporary architecture to express the identity of the Hejazi architectural heritage without the realization of the advantages of this rich architectural element. This study examines the Rowshan design philosophy by identifying its visual, functional, and structural determinants, and applying them to a model to reflect it in a modern context. The study adopts an analytical approach in addition to interviewing elders who lived in traditional houses. The results show that the Rowshan philosophy must apply all its structural, functional, and aesthetic characteristics like seating function, privacy, visual continuity, use of light, exploitation for shade, and the use of ornamental patterns and, openings, while adopting modularity, flexibility, and adaptability as important principles in its composition. This design philosophy can be a fundamental resource for creative designs to preserve Hejazi architectural identity. This study aims to renew interest in Rowshan elements in contemporary houses in the Mecca region and highlights the advantages of this unique architectural element by applying the Rowshan design philosophy.