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. McLean-Mackenzie advocates for experiencing places not just visually but also through olfaction.
By engaging in smell walks, individuals recalibrate their perception of the world. According to McLean-Mackenzie, this sensory experience alters one’s perspective on locations, prompting a slower, more insightful observation. Over the past 15 years, she has meticulously documented the aromas of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her forthcoming publication, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.”
McLean-Mackenzie defines “smellscapes” as the olfactory counterparts of visual landscapes. These smellscapes are crafted using data collected during smell walks conducted in different global settings. They represent what one smells in their immediate surroundings, akin to scanning a visual horizon.
For instance, McLean-Mackenzie describes the distinct scent of Antarctica, a blend of the leathery odor of deceased seals and the mechanical aroma from the Rothera Research Station. In Kyiv, Ukraine, she recalls the city’s historical essence intertwined with elements like pine forests, rivers, and seasonal nuances, such as moss and greenery.
The evolving nature of scents underscores the importance of preserving these olfactory records. As cities transform over time due to various factors, including geopolitical events, industries, and urban development, scent profiles shift. McLean-Mackenzie stresses the value of documenting these changes visually and descriptively.
Furthermore, the transient quality of smells is highlighted during McLean-Mackenzie’s exploration of Montreal. From early morning scents of nature to the emergence of urban fragrances later in the day, the city’s smellscape evolves dynamically.
McLean-Mackenzie acknowledges the subjectivity of scent perception but emphasizes the power of shared olfactory experiences. When participants align on the scents detected during a walk, it fosters a profound sense of connection and shared sensory encounters.
Beyond cataloging urban fragrances, McLean-Mackenzie’s work delves into the emotional impact of scents on individuals. She finds fulfillment in unraveling the narratives behind these scents and their profound associations with memories and places.
Amid her extensive olfactory research, McLean-Mackenzie reveals her favorite scent without hesitation: the aroma of a garden shed. This sensory memory encompasses a blend of scents, including cut grass, creosote, warm asphalt, and wooden structures, evoking a vivid sensory experience.