University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants focus on their sense of smell to gather information about the environment. McLean-Mackenzie believes that experiencing places through our noses in addition to our eyes is essential for a more enriched experience of the world.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has been examining and documenting the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She creates “smellscapes,” which are olfactory versions of visual landscapes, using data collected during these smell walks in different locations globally.
In her research, Antarctica’s scent includes the leathery tang of dead seals and the aroma of heavy machinery from the Rothera Research Station. During her exploration of Kyiv, Ukraine, nine years ago, the city’s scent reflected its history with hints of pine forests, rivers, and unique greenery elements. McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of preserving scent records as cities evolve and industries change, leading to transformations in their smellscapes.
She also highlights the transient nature of scents by recounting a smell walk in Montreal that transitioned from early morning natural scents to urban aromas as the day progressed. McLean-Mackenzie acknowledges the subjectivity of scent perception but finds magic in shared olfactory experiences among participants.
Beyond documenting urban scents, McLean-Mackenzie’s work delves into how scents evoke emotions and memories, making each location unique in its olfactory profile. She finds joy in the stories and emotions tied to scents, emphasizing the diverse and complex nature of a smellscape. When asked about her favorite scent, she fondly describes the intricate blend of aromas found inside a garden shed.
McLean-Mackenzie’s research not only captures the essence of different places through scent but also explores the emotional and sensory dimensions of smell, creating a rich tapestry of olfactory experiences.
