Smell based memory of place and person-space relations

Abstract

The aim of this study is investigating the recalling process of smell-based memory of place and analyzing the relations between remembered smell perception, emotion, memory associations, place meaning and place bonding. For Smell Memory Diary phase 30 young adults (between age of 20-30) were recruited through snowball method and 15 of the participants volunteered for Online Interviews for the second phase. Instrument design involved Critical Incident Technique and sensory interview methods. By triangulation of two methods, recall process of smell-based memory of places, its relationship with emotions and the role of smell perception on place meaning and place bonding are researched. Thematic analysis of the results suggest that remembered experience of smell affects emotions and memory associations, which result in meaning making process of places and place bonding, depending on the social attributes and physical context of the place. In conclusion, it is possible to create meaningful and memorable places by integrating smell perception into design.