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 gather information about their surroundings. McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of experiencing places not just visually but also through the olfactory senses.
Through her extensive research spanning 15 years and covering 40 towns and cities worldwide, McLean-Mackenzie is compiling her findings into a forthcoming book titled “Atlas of Scents and Smells.”
She explains the concept of a “smellscape” as the aromatic counterpart of a visual landscape. These smellscape maps are created based on the data collected during smell walks in different locations globally.
For example, in Antarctica, the smell of a deceased seal mixed with the odor of machinery at the Rothera Research Station characterizes the area. In Kyiv, Ukraine, the historical essence of the city intertwined with natural scents, such as pine forests and river aromas, left a lasting impression on McLean-Mackenzie.
McLean-Mackenzie stresses the importance of documenting these scent records as they evolve with time and changing landscapes. She believes that preserving these olfactory snapshots is crucial in capturing the essence of cities through their unique smells.
The transient nature of scents is highlighted in McLean-Mackenzie’s observations during a walk in Montreal, where the morning aromas of nature transitioned into urban scents as the day progressed.
Apart from the scientific aspect, McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the emotional connection people have with scents. She finds joy in uncovering the personal stories and nostalgia associated with different smells, underscoring the diverse and complex nature of a smellscape.
Ultimately, McLean-Mackenzie’s passion for exploring scents and their impact on individuals fuels her ongoing research, revealing the intricate and multifaceted world of smells.