University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie conducts “smell walks” in various cities to explore the scents of different environments. During these walks, participants focus on their sense of smell to experience their surroundings from a unique perspective. According to McLean-Mackenzie, relying on our noses to perceive a place alongside our eyes can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has meticulously documented the smells of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She describes the concept of a “smellscape” as the olfactory equivalent of a visual landscape, emphasizing the importance of capturing the changing scents of cities over time.
From the leathery tang of a dead seal in Antarctica to the historical blend of pine forests and rivers in Kyiv, each city has its own unique scent profile. McLean-Mackenzie stresses the significance of preserving these scent records as cities evolve and industries change, highlighting the ephemeral nature of smells.
In addition to cataloging scents, McLean-Mackenzie believes that the emotional impact of smells is equally important. She emphasizes the connections that can be formed through shared olfactory experiences and the complex nature of smells within a city. Despite the subjectivity of scent perception, she finds joy in the stories and emotions associated with different smells.
For McLean-Mackenzie, the allure of her work lies in the magical stories and emotions that scents evoke. She shares her favorite scent, the garden shed, describing it as a blend of cut grass, creosote, and wood, creating a unique and nostalgic olfactory experience.
