Triennial Bruges 2018 – John Powers’ installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Summer 2018 – 15 temporary monumental artistic and architectural installations float on the picturesque canals of the Belgian city of Bruges offering an answer to those issues of liquid – sustainable and inclusive – societies. Until September 15, Triennial Bruges 2018 invites visitors to explore the Liquid City creative trail.

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Selgascano’ installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

This year’s theme draws on the concept of a Liquid City, introduced by Zygmunt Bauman, a Polish-British sociologist and philosopher who studied social changes and liquid society. “The world is in transition. Long-established ideas and ways of life are coming under pressure. A state of constant flux, driven by variation, pluralism and ambivalence can lead to uncertainty and even fear.” Explain the curators “Bruges Triennial 2018 uses the image of today’s liquid city as a symbol for positive social and urban change”.

Skyscraper installation by Studio KCA – Photo via @studiokca, IG.

A 9m-tall whale jumps out the canal in front of the statue of Jan Van Eyck. The gigantic sculpture by Studio KCA is built from waste material, recovered from ocean plastic soup threatening our life on earth and aims to deliver a sustainable message about the climate change emergency.

Selgascano’ installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Spanish architects Selgascano designed an undulating and translucent floating sun-bathing platform for swimers. The installation recalls the pavilion designed for the Foundation Martell in Cognac, france [Read more…].

Kunlé Adeyemi/Nlé’s installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Kunlé Adeyemi/Nlé installed its famous sustainable A-shaped watercraft structure for the Makoko floating community in Lagos, Nigeria. The project which was built to host a primary school responds to the critical challenges posed by urbanization and climate change in Africa and foresees possible solutions to a new way for sustainable architecture. [Find out more…]

Atelier4′ installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Peter van Driessche @ Atelier4 explores a new form of urbanity on the water. Rigorously stacked modules inspired by Japanese Metabolists’ ideals. “How are we going to be able to live and work if the sea level continues to rise and whole areas will be flooded?”

Renato Nicolodi’s installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Belgian architect Renato Nicolodi created monumental sculpture which seems to be floating in the middle of the Langerei canal. “Might this be an entrance to the underworld?”. John Powers created a 15-metre tall structure of rigorously stacked modules will mark a hidden place of peace and serenity in the city.

John Powers’ installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Many installations create public spaces open to all. Berlin-based architecture studio Raumlabor teamed up with Bruges’ teenagers to create a nest-looking structure, while visitors can relax on the netted, hammock-like balustrades of the floating pavilion by Belgian practice OBBA.

OBBA’s installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

Raumlabor’s installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.

John Powers’ installation – Photo by Iwan Baan.