Critical Zone Recognition of Smellscape of a Chinese Traditional Market Based on the Sensitivity–Coordination Matrix

Abstract

Ambient smells can affect behavior, attitude, and health, and play an important role in the overall perceptual experience. However, the research on the perceptual experience of urban open space is mainly focused on the visual dimension, with few studies investigating smellscapes, except in terms of the negative aspects of odor pollution. As a result, the method of effectively planning the smellscapes of urban open space is still limited. Therefore, the present study investigated the smellscape of the traditional Zhuanxin Market in Kunming, China. The subjective smell perception scores of 200 evaluators were obtained using the smell prism method, and the classification of smellscapes in the traditional market was established using a hierarchical clustering method in two years. A sensitivity–coordination matrix was constructed using the smellwalk method and integrating smell combination, smellscape sensitivity, and coordination. The smellscape was divided into four zones: critical zone, preserve zone, secondary improvement zone, and main improvement zone. Moreover, corresponding suggestions for smellscape protection, promotion, and management were presented. In this way, an effective method for the zoning and planning of smellscapes in urban open space spaces was formed. This study provides a new perspective on olfactory research for overall urban perceptual experiences and has important implications for protecting urban smellscape heritage, creating restorative urban environment experiences, enhancing urban space quality, and improving living experiences.