When you build a new house, put a parapet around the roof; otherwise, if someone falls off, you will bring bloodguilt upon your house.

When I was in India last, my hosts and I spent a lot of time up on the roof of the apartment building I was staying in, especially in the evenings. My host also spent time pouring buckets of water around to cool down the cement. Sometimes we'd sleep up there at night. It seems common enough in hot climates. Also, I am reminded of the houses in the ancient city of Çatalhöyük, which is almost 10,000 years old, the houses did not have doors but an opening in the roof and ladders were used to gain access to the roof which could be drawn up afterwards. (I think a similar situation obtains in Taos Pueblo.)

Ceci n'est pas un seing.