An olfactory design project for national cultural institutions
In 2019, I was selected as Scent Designer for “A Tale for the Rootless,” a choreographic project by Teresa Noronha Feio, winner of the τέχνη/téchne residency at Lavanderia a Vapore – Fondazione Piemonte dal Vivo. A case study demonstrating how olfactory design expertise can integrate into high-level contemporary artistic productions.
The Artistic Project
“A Tale for the Rootless” is a choreographic investigation into the idea of personal archive that explores identity reconstruction through family and historical memories, with particular focus on colonial heritage. A multidisciplinary assemblage integrating photography, poetry, scents, music, history and fantasies into a corporeal narrative.
Production Team
I was part of a high-profile artistic team that included:
- Teresa Noronha Feio: concept, choreography and performance
- Laura Gazzani: accompanying dancer
- Alessandra Bossa: sound composition
- Elena Cobez: scent designer
- Lidia Zanelli: scenography
- Francesca Cinalli: external choreographic perspective
- Giuliana Pititu: dramaturgical and theoretical perspective
Scent Design Methodology
My contribution as scent designer involved:
Biographical and Geographical Research In-depth study of places belonging to the artist’s biography, mapping the emotional and historical geographies of the project through botanical and cultural analysis.
Thematic Olfactory Research Selection of raw materials resonating with Teresa Noronha Feio’s work, translating themes of colonial heritage and fragmented identity into sensory language.
Custom Synergy Formulation Development of olfactory compositions supporting the choreographic narrative, creating a sensory landscape accompanying the viewer through the assemblage of memories.
Performative Integration Design of olfactory implementation during performance, coordinating with the artistic team to create continuity between movement, sound, scenography and scent.
Institutional Recognition
The project received support from:
- Lavanderia a Vapore – Fondazione Piemonte dal Vivo
- Casa Luft/Zerogrammi (PERMUTAZIONI project)
- Spazio Zut (Umbria una terra che ti muove – Regione Umbria and MIC)
- Sosta Palmizi
- Fabbrica C
Sector Innovation
This project demonstrates how scent design can:
- Integrate into high-level institutional artistic productions
- Support complex narratives through olfactory language
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams in contemporary theater
- Translate biographical and historical research into sensory experience
A case study highlighting the evolution of olfactory design from commercial support to integral artistic component in contemporary cultural productions.