Creating smell-spatial narratives

Building on narrative architecture, this chapter introduces a design framework for creating smell-spatial interventions. Central to this is “scentography,” inspired by theatre scenography, where scents are choreographed through layering, timing, and placement to guide emotion, narrative flow, and movement. Olfactory metaphors are explored as tools to spark architectural imagination, connecting scents to forms, atmospheres, and activities. The chapter also stresses the value of acknowledging ambient odours alongside new ones, fostering synergy with existing environments. To support communication, it introduces representational tools such as scentsphere drawings, diagrams and models, enabling designers to translate intangible smell experiences into spatial strategies.