University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie leads guided olfactory tours known as “smell walks” in various cities. During these walks, participants are encouraged to focus solely on their sense of smell, paying attention to scents both near and far. McLean-Mackenzie believes that experiencing places through our noses, not just our eyes, offers a unique perspective that can alter one’s perception of a location.
Over the past 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has meticulously documented the scents of 40 different towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She describes the concept of a “smellscape” as the olfactory counterpart to a visual landscape, emphasizing that it represents the scents present in a given environment.
Through her research, McLean-Mackenzie has captured the distinct smells of diverse locations, such as Antarctica and Kyiv, Ukraine. She highlights the importance of preserving these scent memories as cities evolve and industries change, noting that scent records serve as a valuable historical and sensory archive.
In addition to documenting scents, McLean-Mackenzie’s work explores how smells evoke emotions and memories in individuals. She emphasizes the significance of shared olfactory experiences in creating connections among people. Despite the subjective nature of scent perception, she believes that finding commonalities in what individuals smell fosters a sense of unity and understanding.
McLean-Mackenzie’s passion for exploring scents stems from the rich stories and emotions they evoke. She marvels at the complexities of smells, noting that each location’s smellscape is unique and multi-faceted. When asked about her favorite scent, she enthusiastically mentions the aroma of a garden shed, describing it as a blend of lawn mower, cut grass, creosote, asphalt warmth, and wood.
Overall, McLean-Mackenzie’s research delves into the intricate world of scents, highlighting how they shape our perceptions, emotions, and connections to the places we inhabit.