Smellscape Characteristics of an Urban Park in Summer: A Case Study in Beijing, China

Abstract

The construction of urban green spaces is a pivotal aspect of sustainable urban development. As societal preferences evolve, a shift from visually oriented landscapes to multi-sensory landscapes has emerged. However, scant attention has been given to the olfactory dimension of urban green spaces. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship between odor perception and park visit experiences, employing a combination of smellwalks and questionnaire surveys conducted in Purple Bamboo Park in Beijing. Natural odors, with most perception frequencies above 60%, are the most dominant odors in Purple Bamboo Park during the summer, including plant, water, and soil smells. The questionnaire survey results revealed a positive correlation between the perception of natural odors and tour experience. Notably, floral fragrances emerged as the predominant olfactory stimulus influencing the park’s olfactory ambiance. Furthermore, a remarkably strong association was observed between the degrees of olfactory, visual, and overall experiential satisfaction, which indicates that multi-sensory experiences in urban parks work as an organic whole. By recognizing the pivotal role of smell in shaping perceptions, urban planners and designers can now integrate olfactory considerations into their work, thereby elevating the overall quality and sustainability of urban green spaces.