Smell is the ignored sense of architecture, so to speak. While the way a building looks and handles sound (soundproofing, for example), and how the materials used to build it feel are all greatly considered, the experience of smell is often overlooked.
Yet smell is intrinsically tied to memory and to the subconscious, so it is completely logical for a designer to think about how one smells an environment. Do you use the natural smells of a building, or do you want it to smell like something else, to suggest certain things to the occupant?
Malls are full of interesting smells. Retailers know the power of scent and use it across the country and in their retail stores. But if you’re not using a scent like the new car smell or the smell of fresh cookies to get someone to buy something, scent is often ignored. But scent can help with mood management, linger time, a user’s positive connection to a brand or space, and motivation. One company in Boca Raton, Aroma360, is introducing scents to a variety of prominent Miami buildings, with interesting results.
The Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami just opened an exhibit on poison, and Aroma360 was hired to create three custom scents for different parts of the exhibit. The aromas enhance the experience of learning how poisons are created, work, and are used.
Aroma360 and its founder and aromachologist Farah Abassi have gone far beyond the Frost, however, and created a variety of scents for buildings around South Florida. This is how they describe them.
Continuum South Beach
This fragrance opens with a bright bergamot and orange accord. The main theme combines a strong jasmine floral notes with a smooth sandalwood accord. The fragrance dries down to an amber musk base.
Top Note: Bergamot, Orange
Mid Note: Jasmine, Sandalwood
Base Note: Amber, Musk
Mondrian Hotel
Top Note: White Tea, Fir Needles, Green Leaves
Mid Note: White Ginger, Cedarwood, White Flowers
Base Note: Oakmoss, Oud Wood, Vanilla, Amber, Musk
Confidante Hotel
This fragrance begins with a spicy nutmeg accord along with orange and lemon citrus notes. The main theme blends a spicy accord of cardamom and ginger with a floral jasmine and sandalwood character. The fragrance ends with an amber musk base.
Top Note: Nutmeg, Orange, Lemon
Mid Note: Ginger, Cardamom, Sandalwood, Jasmine
Base Note: Amber, Musk
W Hotel Miami Beach
This fragrance has a citrus beginning of bergamot, lemon and lemongrass. These notes rest on a long-lasting base of koa wood and white musk.
Top Note: Bergamot, Lemon, Lemongrass
Mid Note: Magnolia, Jasmine, Lily
Base Note: Koa Wood, Musk
Ritz Carlton Sunny Isles Residences – Dancing Queen
Invigorating yet subtle pomelo grapefruit dances amidst a field of lilies and zesty coriander. Gentle green undertones tie together this blend to create a scent that brings to life both the power of sun-kissed citrus and the softness of floral accents.
Top Note – Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot
Middle Note – Jasmine, Ocean, Coriander
Base Note – Vanilla, Water Lily, Musk
10 Museum Park – My Way
Lush sandalwood, warm Virginia Cedar, and beautiful iris scents this aroma has every one of your angles covered. From fine violet to smooth Tuscan leather and sensual amber, find every piece of yourself in this scent. Indulge your senses with our most luxurious scent.
Top Note – Leather, Cardamom, Lemon
Mid Note – Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Cinnamon
Base Note – Vetiver, Amber, Musk, Iris
Photo of Continuum South Beach, where Aroma360 created a custom scent for the common spaces. Photo via Federico Lukkini/Flickr.
The W Hotel, Ritz Carlton and Mondrian are scented by Air Esscentials….