Investigating the Effect of Ambient Smell in Indoor Spaces on Human Emotions Using a Mixed-Method Approach

A significant portion of contemporary human life is spent in indoor environments, yet architects have largely neglected the olfactory aspect of these spaces. To bridge this gap, this research designed a standard and systematic methodology with a mixed-method approach. Experiment findings revealed that alterations in indoor smells can trigger physiological responses in individuals, impacting emotions, performance, and spatial perception. This underscores the potential for establishing new standards in interior smell management. Such a shift transforms smell from a neglected, passive design feature into a dynamic element capable of enhancing emotions, performance, and the well-being of individuals within built environments.