University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads expeditions known as “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 only visually but also through the olfactory senses, suggesting that smelling a location can provide a unique perspective on it.
Having dedicated 15 years to studying the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide, McLean-Mackenzie is compiling her findings into a forthcoming book titled “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She describes the process of mapping out “smellscapes” as analogous to creating visual landscapes based on the olfactory information collected during these smell walks.
The researcher emphasizes the importance of documenting these scents as they are subject to change over time due to various factors such as urban development and industrial activities. By preserving these scent records, she aims to capture the essence of each location and its evolution.
McLean-Mackenzie recounts her exploration of different cities, noting how their scents reflect their unique characteristics and histories. For instance, she recalls the distinct aromas of Kyiv, Ukraine, intertwined with the city’s natural surroundings and seasonal variations. She highlights the dynamic nature of smells, illustrating how they evolve throughout the day and across different parts of a city.
Beyond the scientific aspect of cataloging scents, McLean-Mackenzie underscores the emotional impact of smells on individuals. She believes that the stories and memories associated with particular scents are invaluable, contributing to the intricate tapestry of a location’s smellscape. Despite the subjectivity of scent perception, she finds joy in the shared experiences when participants identify the same scents during their walks.