University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie guides individuals on “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants are encouraged to focus on their olfactory experiences both near and far. McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of engaging with places not just visually but also through the sense of smell.
For the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has been documenting the smells of 40 different towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She defines a “smellscape” as the olfactory equivalent of a visual landscape, representing what one can smell in a particular area.
In her research, McLean-Mackenzie captures the changing scents of cities over time, acknowledging that scents evolve with societal and environmental changes. She believes it is essential to preserve these scent records to document the unique olfactory identities of different locations.
Furthermore, McLean-Mackenzie highlights the ephemeral nature of scents by recounting her observations during a morning smell walk in Montreal. She notes the transition from natural odors to urban scents as the group moved through the city.
Beyond cataloging scents, McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the emotional impact of smells on individuals. She finds joy in the stories and memories connected to scents, underscoring the complexity and uniqueness of every smellscape.
McLean-Mackenzie’s passion for understanding and recording scents stems from the emotional resonance and diversity of smells in different locations. She cherishes the multifaceted experiences that scents evoke in people, emphasizing the intricate nature of smells in shaping perceptions and memories.
