Odeur
olfactory explorative walks
part of the series of events Krajina zámku Tróji organised by GHMP (Prague city gallery), 2023
in cooperation with biologist Jan Filip
Why scents exist?
What is their meaning and how do they affect ecosystems?
// Through interactions between chemical elements in the ecosystem, plants and animals a plethora of diverse odeurs is created. Some odours arise quite naturally through chemical reactions and can disappear over time. Others are the result of a long evolutionary process and are irreplaceable. The sense of smell and the perception of free-flowing chemicals is absolutely essential for the operation of the ecosystem.
The development of cities and architecture is also tied to smells, although perhaps indirectly at first sight. We have created complex technologies and infrastructures designed solely to eliminate or intensify them. Whether it is wastewater infrastructures, ventilation technologies, city street clean-up service, implementation of odour absorbers or aroma diffusers, the aim is to influence odeurs and its flow and thus ensure our comfort in environment we inhabit.
Scents are very important carriers of information, empowering, emancipating, romantic, but also disempowering, hurtful and insulting. //
Odeur is an explorative project based on collaboration between architect and biologist. Through the perspective of biology, landscape design and urban environment, we analyse meanings, implications and correlations of scents generated in the cultural landscape of Trója.