UNESCO (2023) identifies intangible 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. The aim of developing sensory trails is to establish a design-led, multisensory approach to heritage interpretation that enhances accessibility, promotes experiential learning, and reveals the intangible cultural significance of historic places.
This ongoing project developed by Dr Jieling Xiao proposes a novel methodology combining archival research, site investigation, sensory ethnographic observation and artistic interpretation. The approach has been tested through two applied case studies. Sensing 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’s nineteenth-century use 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. Sensing Around Anglesey Column was 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.
As part of the ongoing trajectory, Jieling is collaborating with local artist Kaye Winwood on Sensing the Jewellery Quarter project (25-26) on two walks focused on smells and textures in this historical district.
Publications and Media:
Xiao, J. and Butler, M., 2025. Reconstructing Historical Atmospheres: Creating Sensory Trails for Heritage Sites. Architecture, 6(1), p.3. https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture6010003
Butler, M., Crosby, P., Hanna, S. and Xiao, J. (2025) Anglesey Column Trust – Sensing Around Anglesey Column. Bangor: Bangor University. Available at: https://research.bangor.ac.uk/en/publications/anglesey-column-trust-sensing-around-anglesey-column (Accessed: 16 March 2026).
UKinbound (2021) Geotourist launches five new city trails in Birmingham. Available at: https://www.ukinbound.org/member-news/geotourist-launches-five-new-city-trails-in-birmingham/ (Accessed: 16 March 2026).
Roundhouse Birmingham (no date) Sensing the Roundhouse (and Beyond) audio tour. Available at: https://roundhousebirmingham.org.uk/sensing-the-roundhouse-and-beyond-audio-tour/ (Accessed: 16 March 2026).