Promotion: Bruges Triennial has opened for its fourth edition, exhibiting a series of contemporary art and architecture installations across the city until 1 September.

Curated by Shendy Gardin and Sevie Tsampalla, this year's Bruges Triennial aims to be an exploration of the city's "hidden possibilities" under the theme of Spaces of Possibility.

"With their monumental artistic interventions and installations, the artists connect city districts, demonstrate new ways of using space and search for beauty in places that are often overlooked," the event said.

"Each of the works engages critically in dialogue with public places in the city: they address its history, its rich heritage and create new social, societal and ecological narratives that can initiate further sustainable transformation – not only for Bruges, but for cities worldwide."

The showcase comprises temporary installations designed by 12 national and international artists and architects, each with the aim of drawing attention to parts of the city that have been underutilised or are undergoing transformations.

Nestled into the city's fabric, the contemporary artworks stand in direct contrast to the existing historic context.

Among those taking part in this year's event is architecture studio SO-IL, architect Sumayya Vally, design practice Studio Ossidiana, and artist Mona Hatoum.

"The artists and architects draw attention to parts of the city that have been hidden from view for decades or have recently undergone some hefty transformations," the event said.

"These include Zand Square – redesigned in 2018, the construction of the new Bruges Meeting and Convention Centre in 2021 or the expansion of Zeebrugge harbour."

Founder of Bangkok Project Studio, Boonserm Premthada, has designed an 18-metre-tall bell tower made from pine situated between three medieval towers.

Named The Tower of Balance, the structure comprises three wooden platforms with a bronze bell at its centre. It offers a "contemporary counterpoint" to the neighbouring stone towers.

Nearby, SO-IL has created Common Thread, an installation made from a fabric membrane that follows a meandering path through the garden of the former Capuchin monastery. It produced this in collaboration with Mariana Popescu and Summum Engineering.

The installation is composed of a membrane made up of 3D-printed elements, tubes and fabric made from recycled PET bottles.

Further north of the inner city, Studio Ossidiana created a six-metre-wide cylindrical installation named Earthsea Pavilion in the courtyard of Hof Bladelin – a 15th-century city palace – that "connects land and sea, history and nature".

Bruges Triennial is a free public event running every three years since 2015. For more information on the other exhibits on show this year, visit the event's website.

The photography is by Filip Dujardin.

Bruges Triennial takes place Bruges, Belgium, from 13 April to 1 September. For more events, exhibitions and talks in architecture and design visit Dezeen Events Guide.

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This article was written by Dezeen for Bruges Triennial as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.