Smell-waking as a cognitive mapping tool: investigating the smellscape of Syrian food for placemaking in Cairo's outskirts

Second Author's Department

Computer Science & Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1057/s41289-024-00265-0

All Authors

Noha Abbassy Momen El-Husseiny Sami Shaker

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Urban Design International

Publication Date

3-1-2025

doi

10.1057/s41289-024-00265-0

Abstract

Cognitive mapping is central to urban design. As a pioneer of cognitive mapping, Kevin Lynch focused his work on tangible visual elements while only acknowledging other intangible attributes. In an attempt to bridge the gap between Lynch’s cognitive mapping tools and sensorial studies, this paper explores smell-walking as a method of cognitive mapping in the context of Cairo. Through a designed smell walk experiment, 25 participants documented their immediate sensations, past experiences, and memories evoked by the smells of Syrian food practices in an open market situated at the edge of El-Rehab, a gated community on the outskirts of Cairo. This pilot study is a step forward in renewing The image of the city by displaying a smell map, participants’ cognitive image, smellscape, and placemaking narratives. It concludes with the collective cognitive perception of a hybrid smellscape that triggers hunger, happiness, and nostalgia.

First Page

3

Last Page

20

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