University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants rely solely on their sense of smell to perceive their surroundings. McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of engaging our olfactory senses, suggesting that places should not only be seen but also smelled.
Through her work spanning 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has meticulously documented the scents of 40 towns and cities globally for her forthcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.”
She explains the concept of “smellscapes,” which she constructs based on data collected from these smell walks worldwide. A smellscape, she describes, is akin to a visual landscape but for the sense of smell, capturing what one encounters in their immediate olfactory environment.
One intriguing example from her research is Antarctica, where the scent profile includes the leathery odor of deceased seals mingled with the industrial aroma of machinery at the Rothera Research Station. Similarly, in Kyiv, Ukraine, the historical blend of pine forests, river scents, and unique seasonal fragrances once defined the city’s smellscape, though likely altered since geopolitical events reshaped the region.
McLean-Mackenzie stresses the importance of documenting these scents as they evolve over time due to changing circumstances and urban development. She believes that preserving such records, both visually and descriptively, offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of cities’ olfactory identities.
Moreover, the fleeting nature of scents is highlighted, such as the transition of Montreal’s smellscape from early morning earthy tones to the warm, urban aromas as the day progresses.
Beyond mere scent identification, McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the emotional aspect of scents and their impact on people’s experiences. She finds joy in the narratives and memories associated with scents, highlighting the intricate and diverse nature of smells within a given environment.
When asked about her favorite scent, McLean-Mackenzie promptly mentions the “garden shed,” describing it as a mix of fresh cut grass, machinery scents, and the wooden structure itself. For her, this scent encapsulates a unique and nostalgic olfactory experience.