University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie organizes “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants focus solely on what they can smell, both from afar and nearby. McLean-Mackenzie believes that experiencing places through our sense of smell is as important as through sight.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has studied and documented the aromas of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.”
She describes “smellscapes” as the olfactory version of a visual landscape. These are created using data collected during smell walks in different global locations. For instance, Antarctica’s smellscape includes the odor of a deceased seal mixed with the scent of machinery at the Rothera Research Station.
In her research, McLean-Mackenzie visited Kyiv, Ukraine, nine years ago, noting its unique blend of pine forest, river, and seasonal elements. She acknowledges that the city’s scent likely changed after significant events like Russia’s invasion.
The study also highlights the transient nature of scents. McLean-Mackenzie recalls the evolving smells of Montreal during a morning walk, from natural aromas to urban scents as the day progressed.
Beyond documenting scents, McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the emotional impact of smells on individuals. She finds the stories behind scents to be captivating and believes they evoke strong emotions and memories.
When asked about her favorite scent, McLean-Mackenzie promptly mentions the aroma of a garden shed, describing it as a mixture of grass, wood, creosote, and warmth from the sun. She finds the complexity and nostalgia of a smellscape intriguing, as no single place emits just one scent.
McLean-Mackenzie’s work aims to not only identify and record urban scents but also to explore the feelings they evoke in people. She finds the emotional connections to scents and the intricate nature of smells to be endlessly fascinating.