Amber. An olfactory memoire of Gdańsk

DESIGN: Agnieszka Weis

Poland

make me! 2017

A design project of a fragrance experience identical to the city of Gdansk, the World Capital of Amber. The composition was inspired by the process of amber creation. The aromas released in a successive manner illustrate this process. It smells of forest, volcanic eruptions, sea, and amber incense. The perfume is placed in a bottle made of material that refers to traditional vessels made in Kashubia. Its form was inspired by the nadziaki, irregularly shaped amber pieces with a natural opening, which were man’s first amber jewellery. The design project was created out of reflections on the role of the senses in a modern world overloaded with visual stimuli. It refers to the sense of smell – the most primal one. Scents directly influence the subconscious evocation of memories. I have observed that the contemporary souvenir market is dominated by mass-produced Asian trinkets. In turn, there is a growing social trend of the need to return to locality, craftsmanship and unique experiences.