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UNESCO (2023)ÌýidentifiesÌýintangible cultural heritage as including sensory dimensions related to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, highlighting the importance of documenting and preserving sensory heritage as an emerging research area.ÌýThe aim of developing sensory trails is toÌýestablishÌýa design-led, multisensory approach to heritage interpretation that enhances accessibility, promotes experiential learning, and reveals the intangible cultural significance of historic places.Ìý

This ongoingÌýproject developedÌýby Dr Jieling Xiao proposesÌýa novelÌýmethodologyÌýcombining archival research, site investigation,Ìýsensory ethnographicÌýobservationÌýand artistic interpretation.ÌýThe approach has been tested through twoÌýappliedÌýcase studies.ÌýSensing Beyond the Roundhouse, developed in collaborative partnership with Roundhouse Birmingham, is one of four community routes designed to explore the site. The Roundhouse Birmingham is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the trail interprets the site’sÌýnineteenth-centuryÌýuse as a horse transport hub and its relationship with Birmingham’s canal industries. The trail was also featured during Birmingham Heritage Week 2023 through guided tours.ÌýSensing Around Anglesey ColumnÌýwas developed as an output of the Anglesey Column project funded by the Skills Innovation Voucher (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) through Bangor University. Dr Xiao is Co-Investigator on the project, led by Prof. Michael Butler (PI), with Dr Sonya Hanna (Co-I), Peter Crosby (consultant), and Kaye Winwood (artist). Designed within conservation constraints, the trail enhances visitor engagement through low-impact sensory interpretation.Ìý

As part of the ongoingÌýtrajectory,ÌýJielingÌýis collaborating with local artist Kaye Winwood on Sensing theÌýJewelleryÌýQuarterÌýproject (25-26) on two walksÌýfocused on smells and textures in this historical district.Ìý

Publications and Media:

Xiao, J. and Butler, M., 2025. Reconstructing Historical Atmospheres: Creating Sensory Trails for Heritage Sites. Architecture, 6(1), p.3.ÌýÌýÌý