In this round, I aimed to design this intervention to cover all aspects of a massage shop. Initially, my primary question was how to make a massage shop a safe space. This involves many components, some of which are practical to implement, while others are constrained by laws or other limitations. However, one small detail I had initially overlooked was the element of scent.
Personally, I am someone who loves the atmosphere of massage shops and spas. Massage shops have their own distinctive scents that create a sense of relaxation and comfort, with each shop offering a unique olfactory experience. This prompted me to research the use of scented candles or aromatherapy oils commonly found in massage shops.
Through a workshop on fragrance and perfume-making, I discovered that the sense of relaxation associated with scents differs between Asia and Europe. To explore this further, I compared candles from two different regions. My selection criteria focused on candles that evoke a sense of relaxation. As expected, the perception of relaxation through scent varied.
In the image on the left, the clear bottle contains a scented candle from Thailand. It has a stronger fragrance before being lit, but once lit, it evokes feelings of comfort similar to baby powder or the sensation of being freshly showered and ready for bed. In contrast, the candle on the right, housed in an opaque container, offers a different experience. Its scent is milder both when unlit and lit, creating an ambiance akin to sitting in a quiet room with open windows after a rainstorm, free of any disturbances.
I selected three distinct Thai-inspired scented candles and shared them with people around me, including both Thai individuals and foreigners. Among these participants, some had experienced Thai massages before, while others had little or no familiarity with them. Each person was asked to choose the scent they preferred. The three scents were carefully curated to reflect the unique essence of Thailand.
- Jasmine: A classic Thai scent associated with purity and serenity, often used in traditional ceremonies and cultural practices.
- Thai Spa: A signature blend that encapsulates the soothing and rejuvenating atmosphere of Thai massage shops and wellness centers.
- I Feel Like Guthi: Inspired by the scent of dok mai chan (sandalwood flowers), this fragrance carries a powdery and slightly sweet aroma reminiscent of baby powder, evoking a sense of calm and nostalgia.
By offering these scents, I aimed to observe how people from different cultural backgrounds perceive and connect with distinctly Thai olfactory experiences.
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