University of Kent researcher Kate McLean-Mackenzie conducts “smell walks” in various cities, encouraging participants to focus on their olfactory experiences. She believes that places should be perceived not just through sight but also through smell, leading to a new perspective and appreciation for different locations.

For over 15 years, McLean-Mackenzie has been studying and documenting the scents of 40 towns and cities worldwide for her upcoming book, “Atlas of Scents and Smells.” She creates “smellscapes,” which she describes as the olfactory equivalent of visual landscapes, mapping out the unique smells of different areas based on data collected during smell walks.

McLean-Mackenzie emphasizes the importance of preserving scent records as cities and environments evolve over time, leading to changes in their smellscapes. She highlights the transient nature of smells and how they can evoke emotions and memories in people. Through her work, she aims to capture the essence of various locations and the complexity of smells that make each place unique.

By engaging in smell walks and documenting scents, McLean-Mackenzie not only explores the diverse aromas of urban settings but also delves into the emotional connections and stories associated with different smells. Her passion for understanding and preserving scent experiences drives her research, as she uncovers the sensory richness of various locations around the world.