University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie guides individuals on “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants rely solely on their sense of smell to observe their surroundings, focusing on scents both near and far. McLean-Mackenzie believes that experiencing places through not only sight but also smell is essential for a holistic understanding.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has meticulously documented the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She defines a “smellscape” as the olfactory version of a visual landscape, capturing what one smells in their immediate surroundings.
For instance, Antarctica’s smellscape includes the pungent odor of a deceased seal intermingled with the mechanical scents from the Rothera Research Station. In Kyiv, Ukraine, the historical scent of pine forests and rivers once dominated the city’s aroma, a stark contrast to the anticipated changes post the Russian invasion.
McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the transient nature of scents, recounting a walk through Montreal where the morning’s refreshing scents of nature transitioned into the familiar urban aromas as the day progressed. She acknowledges that scent perception is subjective, but when participants share similar aroma experiences, it creates a unique connection.
Beyond mere scent identification, McLean-Mackenzie’s work explores how scents evoke emotions and memories, making each location distinctive. Despite the years spent on this olfactory journey, McLean-Mackenzie finds the stories and emotions behind scents enchanting, with each scent holding a special significance. Her favorite scent, she reveals, is the complex blend found inside a garden shed, combining elements like grass, wood, and asphalt, creating a unique and nostalgic fragrance.
