University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads guided olfactory experiences called “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants focus solely on their sense of smell to perceive their surroundings, both near and far. McLean-Mackenzie believes that places should not only be observed visually but also experienced through the sense of smell.
For the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has been documenting and studying the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her forthcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She creates “smellscapes,” which are the olfactory counterparts to visual landscapes, by collecting data from these smell walks.
Each city has its unique smellscape. For example, Antarctica’s scents include the aroma of dead seals and the metallic tang of heavy machinery at the Rothera Research Station. In Kyiv, Ukraine, the city’s historical scent is a blend of pine forests, rivers, and occasional hints of summer in winter with moss and greenery.
McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of preserving scent records as cities evolve and industries change, altering their smells over time. The mapping of these scent landscapes captures the transient nature of odors, as exemplified by Montreal’s changing smellscape throughout the day.
Beyond the scientific aspect, McLean-Mackenzie’s work delves into the emotional impact of scents on individuals. She finds joy in the stories and memories associated with various smells, highlighting the complexity and diversity of each place’s smellscape. Her favorite scent, she reveals, is the nostalgic aroma of a garden shed, evoking the essence of cut grass, wood, and asphalt warmth.
McLean-Mackenzie’s research not only catalogs the scents of urban environments but also explores how these scents evoke feelings and memories in people. She finds fulfillment in the emotional connections people have with scents and the intricate tapestry of smells that define each location uniquely.