With a theme titled Afaq El-Mostaqbal (Future Horizons), El Beit design, architecture and art magazine, operating under Al-Ahram Foundation, dedicated its November issue to Singapore. The issue comes in parallel with Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam's visit to Egypt, upon invitation from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relationships between the two countries. The special issue spotlights Singapore's development and impressive growth over the past 50 years, reconciling heritage with modernity, it's thriving in the field of arts and architecture, and their economic housing solutions that are also visually beautiful. "For the magazine we will look at Singapore through its distinct modern architecture, and we will present some of the prominent architects and visit some of their houses. We will take readers on an exciting tour through their national museum, arts museum and botanical gardens," Azza El-Husseiny, the editor-in-chief of El-Beit, stated in a press release. Sawsan Morad Ezz Elarab, the executive editor-in-chief added that "El-Beit will present a full picture of life in the heart of Singapore, to fill the pages with inspiration and hope. That's what we hope to achieve through this issue." An island, Singapore developed into a city within the jungle, and its botanical garden, one of the natural wonders of the world, contains 3,000 types of plants and flowers that rendered it a UNESCO Heritage site. The country is also admired for its interest in developing art and large museums, with governmental support but without interference in the vision and administration of it. Some examples are the Singapore National Museum, which tells its story across 700 centuries, and the National Gallery of Arts, which contributed to transforming the city into a centre for contemporary art. Architecture requires a special focus, as El-Beit's issue will reveal the special Singaporean approach, which manages to excel in both -- massive projects with the latest technology such as the Opera house and the contemporary marina gulf buildings -- as well as economic housing projects with designs that preserve a good quality of life. As for life within Singapore, the city has witnessed many cultures from neighboring countries including India, China and Malaysia, who all co-exist in harmony and mutual respect with temples that stand alongside churches and mosques. The issue will also highlight Singaporean street food, a special landmark of urban life, described as a food enthusiast's haven. El-Beit is the pioneering Arabic magazine for design, architecture and art, and is one of Al-Ahram Foundation's publications and was founded over 13 years ago. For more arts and culture news and updates, follow Ahram Online Arts and Culture on Twitter at @AhramOnlineArts and on Facebook at Ahram Online: Arts & Culture
