When Architecture becomes Olfactory and ...

So it’s been a while but it is becoming increasingly apparent that designing for this sensual inclusive experience is no easy feat.

This has stumped me and by no means have I not taken steps to achieve ocular, touch and sound interconnected designs but there seems to be little major developments from ‘research-study’ to implementation in smell and taste.

Now, of course I must wonder why?

Is it due to the subtle focus or ‘influence’ we place on the power of smell?

Or rather the inability to create a sustainable amount of structurally sound edible architecture?

Let me first tackle the former…

The ‘subtle focus’ of smell can only be perceived by one who keeps another sense above that own. But what if you are deaf, blind or both surely your sense of smell is heightened and so one must question what it is you actually smell or rather what can we make you smell to aid navigate and experience the journey through my building more fulfilling.

With this in mind the latter brings me to question what the sense; ‘taste’ can span too. For example, ones experience of taste can be determined by the ‘space’ created to eat. While another by the utensils made available. It has even been argued that ones sense of taste is predetermined by what is smelt.

Therefore, can we say these two senses can serve a greater purpose together than apart?