University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads exploratory “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants rely solely on their sense of smell to perceive their surroundings, focusing on both distant and nearby scents. McLean-Mackenzie advocates for experiencing places not just visually but also through olfaction, emphasizing that this shift in perception can lead to a new understanding of locations.
In her forthcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells,” McLean-Mackenzie documents her 15-year investigation into the aromas of 40 towns and cities worldwide. She describes the process of mapping these “smellscapes,” likening them to visual landscapes but centered on olfactory experiences.
The researcher highlights the importance of preserving scent memories, noting how the evolving nature of cities, influenced by social and environmental changes, alters their smellscapes over time. Through her work, she captures the transient nature of scents, such as the distinct odors encountered in different parts of a city throughout the day.
McLean-Mackenzie acknowledges the subjectivity of scent perception but emphasizes the shared experiences that arise when participants identify similar smells during the walks. Beyond documenting scents, she aims to evoke emotional responses and memories associated with different smells, underscoring the intricate and diverse nature of smellscapes.
For McLean-Mackenzie, the allure of her research lies in the storytelling potential of scents, each carrying unique emotional significance. She reflects on the multifaceted nature of smellscapes, where no single location is defined by a singular scent, and shares her personal favorite scent – the complex blend of aromas found inside a garden shed.