Smell Walk : Biological Field Research

Smell Walk & Crafting Scents: Field Research & Perfume Crafting Workshop

Join us for a multi-sensory workshop exploring interdisciplinary field research methodologies & creative exploration of smell & fragrance!

This day will begin at 14:00 with a smell walk through Regent’s Park guided by biodesigner Lucrezia Alessandroni, where participants will be introduced to key concepts across biological fieldwork, including random sampling, quadrats and abiotic equipment, alongside scent ecology - where participants will be invited to map the park’s unique scentscape.Using simple lab tools, participants will collect olfactory data and samples, reflecting on the ephemeral nature of smells in a rapidly changing urban environment. The exact meeting point within Regent’s Park will be shared via email a few days before the workshop.

Workshop Outcomes:

• Gain an understanding of basic sampling strategies, methods and equipment in biological fieldwork.
• Interpret and analyse result around diversity indexes.
• Discover scent as a creative method of research and discovery.Skills:
• Apply investigative approaches and methods to practical work
• Make and record observations.
• Keep appropriate records of experimental activities.
• Use a wide range of experimental and practical instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to the knowledge and understanding included in the specification.This workshop is open to all levels.

Meet your Instructors

Lucrezia AlessandroniLucrezia is a Biodesigner with a background in Product Design and Visual Communication, driven by a passion for merging design principles with scientific inquiry.

Her work explores the relationship between living organisms, ecosystems, and biotechnologies to create socially impactful designs, particularly in the context of sustainability. Previously, she specialised in female healthcare with a project called The Soothing Cup, which reimagines menstruation through a living menstrual cup and an incubator for cultivating anti-inflammatory bacteria. Currently, as a PhD researcher at Central Saint Martins, she is exploring how microbial organisms can be used to create sustainable and culturally significant scent experiences.

Her experience spans various academic and industry roles, including publishing with Politecnico di Milano, teaching and mentoring in biodesign-focused programmes at universities such as Central Saint Martins and Politecnico di Torino, as well as working with start-ups such as WinWin Food Lab as a fermentation specialist. Her work has been exhibited both in the UK and internationally, including at Dutch Design Week and Milan Design Week, and has been featured in design magazines such as Dezeen, The Future Laboratory, and Next Nature.

Accessibility Statement:

Lifefabs Institute is committed to ensuring that our events and workshops are as accessible as possible and meet the ever-changing needs of our community. As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of our workshops, we are constantly learning and adjusting our workflows to prioritise accessibility.

We’d love to hear any feedback our community might have.This is an outdoor fieldwalk / workshop - in a public park - please let us know if you have any specifica accessiblity requirements.

Please contact us at info@lifefabs.bio if you have any specific accessibility requirements or questions.

Support to Attend Our Events & WorkshopsLifefabs Institute may be able to offer financial assistance to enable adults or children to participate in our events and activities if this would otherwise be financially difficult.

Please contact our team: info@lifefabs.bio and we will aim to agree a reduction or bursary or wavier your fee free of charge.

About Lifefabs Institute: Community Biofab Lab & Research Space

Lifefabs is an open-access biofabrication space that provides graduates, creatives, schools, communities and scientists access to scientific learning and exchange knowledge around biofabrication.

We want to break down barriers to research and STEAM learning, offering a space to learn, experiment and contribute to our understanding of biomaterials and bioengineering. A space for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, Lifefabs encourages non-scientists, local communities to feel welcome and be curious about Biodesign, promoting accessibility though hands-on community lab.