University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads “smell walks” in various cities to explore the olfactory landscape. During these walks, participants focus solely on their sense of smell, observing scents both near and far. McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of experiencing places not only visually but also through their distinct smells.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has studied and documented the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She describes a “smellscape” as the olfactory equivalent of a visual landscape, mapping out the aromas encountered during the walks.
In her research, McLean-Mackenzie reveals the unique scents of different locations, such as the leathery tang of a dead seal and machinery in Antarctica or the historical blend of pine forests, rivers, and greenery in Kyiv, Ukraine. She stresses the importance of preserving these scent records as cities evolve and industries change, leading to shifts in their smells.
McLean-Mackenzie captures the transient nature of scents, noting how Montreal’s smellscape alters throughout the day, from early morning earthy scents to urban aromas later on. She acknowledges that scent perception is subjective but highlights the connection that arises when participants agree on shared smells.
Beyond documenting scents, McLean-Mackenzie’s work delves into how smells evoke emotions and memories for individuals. She finds the stories behind scents enchanting and believes in the complexity of smells, emphasizing that no place has just one defining scent. Her passion for exploring scents is fueled by the emotional depth and diversity of smells in different environments.
