Kate McLean-Mackenzie, a researcher at the University of Kent, conducts “smell walks” in various cities, emphasizing the importance of experiencing places through the sense of smell. By focusing on scents both near and far, participants can gain a new perspective on their surroundings, according to McLean-Mackenzie. She has spent 15 years studying the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.”
McLean-Mackenzie defines “smellscapes” as the olfactory equivalent of visual landscapes, mapping out data collected from smell walks to represent the smells of different locations globally. For instance, Antarctica is described as having a scent mix of dead seal and heavy machinery at the Rothera Research Station. In Kyiv, Ukraine, the city’s historical essence is captured through a blend of pine forest, river, and seasonal elements like moss and greenery.
The ever-changing nature of scents is highlighted by McLean-Mackenzie’s observations in Montreal, where the smellscape varies throughout the day. From early morning tree scents to urban aromas of coffee and food, the map captures the transient nature of smells. The researcher acknowledges that scent perception is subjective but emphasizes the power of shared olfactory experiences in creating meaningful connections among participants.
Beyond documenting urban scents, McLean-Mackenzie believes in the emotional impact of smells on individuals. She finds the stories that emerge from scent exploration to be enchanting and emphasizes the complexity of smells in defining a place. Reflecting on her favorite scent, she fondly mentions the garden shed, describing it as a blend of lawn mower, cut grass, creosote, warm asphalt, and wooden elements.
McLean-Mackenzie’s work not only celebrates the diversity of smells but also aims to preserve the evolving scent profiles of cities over time. By capturing the essence of different locations through smellscapes, she seeks to evoke the emotions and memories associated with each scent, making each place unique in its olfactory identity.