MTalks—Beyond the Visual: The Invisible Power of Scent in Design

Scent is often overlooked, yet it is an incredibly powerful tool in the context of design. In this informal discussion, our panellists discuss the science of olfaction and how it can influence our experience of space. Together, they explore some wonderful historical uses of scent, and examine how the emergence of cities created malodours that have shaped our modern-day built environments. Examining the different ways that scents can be deliberately incorporated into buildings, whether emanating from the materials used, the incorporation of plants and landscapes, or deliberate environmental scenting, this panel discussion looks at how scent intersects with history, socio-economics, and our collective memory of cities.