University of Kent’s researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads expeditions known as “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants rely solely on their sense of smell to interpret their surroundings, focusing on scents both near and far. While the concept of intentionally sniffing one’s way through a city may seem unusual, McLean-Mackenzie believes that experiencing places through our noses, in addition to our eyes, is essential for a holistic understanding.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has meticulously documented the aromas of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She describes the process of mapping these olfactory landscapes, or “smellscapes,” as akin to visual landscapes, where individuals can perceive scents in their immediate surroundings.
In her research, McLean-Mackenzie captures the essence of different locations, such as the distinct scent of Antarctica with its blend of dead seal and industrial machinery at the Rothera Research Station. Reflecting on her exploration of Kyiv nine years ago, she recalls the city’s historical aromas intertwined with natural elements, like pine forests and rivers, creating a unique sensory experience. With the evolving nature of cities due to various factors, McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of preserving scent records to document these changes over time.
The transient nature of scents is highlighted in McLean-Mackenzie’s observations during a morning smell walk in Montreal, where the aromas shifted from natural elements to urban scents as the day progressed. Despite the subjectivity of scent perception, she emphasizes the moments of shared olfactory experiences among participants, fostering a sense of connection and shared memories.
Beyond simply identifying and cataloging urban scents, McLean-Mackenzie’s work delves into how these scents evoke emotions and memories in individuals. She finds inspiration in the stories and emotional connections people have with scents, underscoring the complexity and diversity of smellscapes. Despite the challenges and nuances of her research, McLean-Mackenzie remains passionate about exploring the multifaceted world of scents, with each location offering a unique olfactory narrative.
