26/08/2026
We are honoured to have been appointed as the architect for the government funded Foh Sang Chinese Archway project, located at the northwestern road junction of Foh Sang Commercial Centre, adjacent to Jalan Mawas and facing Bornion Centre.
Foh Sang (和生) means “harmonious community”. Developed between 1971 and 1976 from a former rubber estate, it became one of Kota Kinabalu’s earliest commercial zones and, for nearly five decades, an important gathering place for the local Chinese community, while also welcoming visitors from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
With this cultural and historical context in mind, the archway was designed not simply as a gateway, but as a landmark that strengthens Foh Sang’s identity, connectivity, vibrancy and sense of place, while creating a more welcoming and healthier environment for the community.
The architectural expression draws inspiration from a combination of traditional Chinese and contemporary elements, including the dougong system, a traditional Chinese timber bracket system used to support projecting roof structures with a history spanning more than 2,000 years, together with traditional Chinese plinths, wide fl**ge steel beams and tropical pergola rafters. These elements are reinterpreted and integrated into a contemporary cantilevered structural composition, creating a dialogue between traditional Chinese architectural principles and Sabah's tropical context. The projecting steel beams are intentionally expressed to create a strong visual presence and attract the attention of both local residents and visitors. The structure is further defined by three carefully selected shades of traditional Chinese red, creating depth, hierarchy and visual rhythm while reflecting the cultural symbolism associated with the colour.
We are thankful to Datuk YB Ginger Phoong for initiating this project, and to DBKK, the main contractor and consultants' team for their collaboration throughout the design and development process. We are pleased to share these visualisations as part of our architectural portfolio, showcasing the design intent, materiality and urban integration of the Foh Sang Chinese Archway.
Disclaimer: These visuals represent the architectural concept and design development, and they are presented for illustration purpose only. The design proposals were discussed, reviewed, agreed, and approved by Datuk YB, relevant authorities, and stakeholders, as well as coordinated with the main contractor to meet technical, safety, and functional requirements. They illustrate design intent and proposed interventions, and do not constitute commentary on operational management, maintenance, or site-specific conditions. This post is intended to showcase the architectural work, and non-design related commentary will not be addressed.
Location: Foh Sang Commercial Centre, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu
Project Type: Township Rejuvenation
Status: Completed
Project Team: Ar. Tan Young, Mohd Nazri Bin Mohd Najib, Nur Syahfiqah Binti Dulahim, Dayangku Nabeilla Sahira Binti Jeffry, & Joehbeey Bin Majimin
Rendered and illustrated by Tan Young Architect
All rights reserved. Images courtesy of Tan Young Architect.
