As part of the Urban ReLeaf Pop-Up Community and Culture Lab, Cascais Ambiente launched an innovative initiative inviting the community to reflect on climate change and the impact of urban heat through artistic expression.
The challenge aimed to transform environmental data, such as urban temperature, thermal comfort and perceptions of green spaces, into accessible and participatory creative experiences, encouraging citizens to engage with environmental issues in a more personal and meaningful way.
This initiative resulted in “Verses in Exaltation: Poetry in Urban Heat”, a collaborative poetry collection developed with the support of visual artist Alexandra Dias. The project sought to raise awareness about the effects of climate change, using poetry as a tool for reflection and connection between people and the urban spaces they inhabit.
The book was created over four creative sessions held at the Parque Urbano da Quinta da Carreira, Parque Urbano da Abóboda, Parque Urbano do Penedo and Jardim Visconde da Luz. These sessions brought together participants of different ages and backgrounds, who were invited to observe the urban green spaces and express their reflections on the environment, urban heat and the relationship between people and the city. The initiative created a collaborative and participatory environment where creativity became a means of interpreting current environmental challenges.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored different forms of poetic writing inspired by the sensations experienced within the green spaces. The project demonstrated how art can act as a powerful tool for communication and environmental awareness, making complex themes more accessible and relatable to the wider community.
Through poetry, participants transformed emotions, experiences and personal reflections into creative contributions addressing the impact of climate change in urban environments.
Some of the poems produced during the sessions were selected to remain on display in the respective parks where they were created. This open-air exhibition extends the project’s connection with the community, integrating art into public space while encouraging visitors to reflect on the importance of green spaces and thermal comfort within cities. In addition, copies of the book will be made available in the municipal libraries of Cascais, ensuring that residents and visitors can access and engage with the publication.
The official launch of the book took place at the Parque Urbano da Quinta da Carreira, bringing together participants, organisers and members of the community to celebrate the work developed throughout the initiative. The project highlighted the importance of citizen participation in addressing environmental challenges and demonstrated how art can play an important role in raising awareness of climate change.
With “Verses in Exaltation: Poetry in Urban Heat”, the Cascais team reinforces its commitment to participatory projects that connect culture, environment and community, promoting new ways of thinking about and experiencing urban spaces.