Of the five senses, the sense of smell is the only one fully developed before we are born. Our earliest memories are laid down in scent and aromas can transport us back to a past time. In the brain, scent molecules are captured by the olfactory bulb which connects directly to the limbic system including the amygdala and hippocampus which are centres of emotion and memory. The design is an intimate and immersive space intended to connect generations of a family through the medium of scent, memory and shared stories.
Aromatic and tactile plants, principally from the Lamiaceae family, provide the jumping-off point for evocation, exploration and engagement. The design includes a cocooning seating area formed from gabion crates filled with reclaimed construction materials – themselves fragments of the past. The seat is reclaimed teak, silvered with age. Within and around this structure, planting pockets bring plants to eye level as well as offering a range of conditions to suit individual species.
