Exploring the city-space through its smell, disclosing the stickiest corner and the most aromatic panoramas: this was Victorias’job. A PhD at the University of Sheffield started as a study of sustainable design for 24h-cities and ended up with a wonderful thesis on ‘The role of the sense of smell in urban design’. Then came a book, Urban Smellscapes: understanding and designing city smell environments. And a blog, Smell and the city, a great source of ideas and inspiration, moreover a place to share research and perspectives.

The sensory analysis, and the smell analysis of urban space can help people designing cities more consciously with care for what makes the space enjoyable and pleasant. This idea became the driving force for the olfactive explorations Victoria made with the famous smellwalking around the world.  She engaged this way children and adults in fresh and innovative city-tour. She promoted a culture for olfaction, the sense of smell, which no one cares until it is lost.

It was my pleasure crossing my way with Victoria, even for such a short time, she gave me engaging ideas and great inspiration I will never forget. Thank you.

Dr Victoria Henshaw at The University of Sheffield. Smell and the city