“by this River” - Scent Space Design marks Ahare Space Project’s first attempt at designing scent on a landscape scale. The relationship between scent and atmosphere is deeply intertwined. Air, shaped dynamically by natural currents and human movement, has been observed, measured, and studied through a sensory and architectural lens.
For this project, in addition to designing the main stage, we created a secret meditation spot. The scent blend used for the main stage was inspired by vegetation research, with mugwort as its key note. This plant has long been closely connected to people and grows naturally across Japan. By choosing a plant so deeply embedded in everyday landscapes, we aimed to foster an intuitive connection between visitors and the environment. Rather than creating a space that simply “smells good,” we sought to design an olfactory experience that subtly integrates into the natural air itself—one that respects the flora and fauna inhabiting the forest.
At the meditation spot, an oil burner designed by Ahare Space Project was placed, evoking the image of a beacon in the forest. Made of stainless steel, this object functioned as a mirror reflecting its surroundings, standing quietly at the edge of the venue, much like a toishi (stopping stone). Positioned by the river, where the wind’s movement is most perceptible, the scent—gently diffused by candlelight—harmonized with the flowing water and flickering flames, offering a moment of tranquility.
