Design Map · Eindhoven
How Do Smells Look?
Graduation project by Gabriel Pendov at Design Academy Eindhoven, 2026. Shown during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven on Design Map, location F5.
Gabriel Pendov’s ‘How Do Smells Look?’ explores how scent can be experienced through physical form. Although smell is invisible, people often describe it using visual and tactile language, such as "sharp", "soft", "warm", "fresh" or "dark". Drawing on research showing that people tend to associate particular scents with specific shapes, colours and textures, the project translates fragrance into an installation featuring a series of collectible objects. To develop the forms, Pendov worked with web developer Tymon Zaniewski to create a custom web-based tool for generating the 3D geometries. Each module represents a different scent family through a distinct visual identity. Visitors encounter the objects before discovering the fragrances concealed within them. They are invited to observe and touch each form. Like perfumes themselves, the modules are designed to be combined so that new sensory experiences can be discovered through both physical and olfactory interaction. In the process, scent becomes tangible, visible and open to exploration.