Recent Advances in Smellscape Research for the Built Environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Sensory Studies
• Architectural Acoustics

Background:

• Growing research interest in human-olfaction and the built environment over the last decade.
• Smellscapes significantly impact human experience and well-being within constructed spaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current trends in smellscape research.
• To identify key challenges in methodological approaches, design interventions, and policy-making related to smell.
• To propose future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on human-environment smell interactions.
• Analysis of trends in smellscape research methodologies.
• Identification of challenges across design, museum practices, and policy.

Main Results:

• Identified challenges in smellscape research methodology, artistic interventions, museum practices, and odour policy.
• Highlighted the need for standardized research approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Recognized the limitations of current odour management strategies.

Conclusions:

• Future research should prioritize the development of smell archives and databases.
• Addressing social justice issues in odour control and management is crucial.
• Investigating advanced building materials for olfactory impact is a key area for future study.