Smell and Taste Integration in the Adaptive Reuse of Chocolate Industrial Heritage
Abstract
This article examines the intersection of adaptive reuse in industrial heritage and multisensory experience design (smell–taste) through chocolate production heritage. The main aim of the study is to reveal how smell and taste integration in reused industrial buildings relates to spatial configuration, technical systems (HVAC, filtration, and pressure management), and conservation principles, and to propose applicable design–engineering guidelines accordingly. The research employs a qualitative and comparative methodology based on the cases of Schokoladenmuseum Köln, Maison Cailler, and Perugina Chocolate House. Using secondary data, each case is evaluated through six core criteria and two supporting indicators; visitor routes, visual connections to production, and smell-intensity profiles are schematically produced. The findings show that providing controlled olfactory exposure alongside visual access to production, structuring smell and taste within a sequential dramaturgy, and managing odor transfer through zoning, pressure differentials, and filtration constitute shared strategies. The study offers a practical and transferable evaluation framework that links sensory design decisions with technical requirements and conservation approaches. The study also contributes theoretically by expanding adaptive reuse discussions through multisensory heritage interpretation, methodologically by proposing a comparative sensory-analysis model, and practically by offering guidance for memorable tourism and gastronomic visitor experiences.
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Ethical Statement
References
- Apristudio. (n.d.). Perugina Chocolate House. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://apristudio.it/en/portfolio/perugina-chocolate-house/
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- Baci Perugina. (2018). The Perugina Chocolate House in Perugia, Italy. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://www.baciperugina.com/intl/world/blog/news/baci-perugina-chocolate-house
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- Cailler. (2025). Discover Cailler; Maison Cailler—Museum visit; Maison Cailler—Experiences. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://www.cailler.ch/en
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Cultural and Natural Heritage, Cultural Heritage Tourism, Visitor and Audience Studies, Cultural Heritage and Conservation, Heritage, Archive and Museum Studies (Other)
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
July 26, 2026
Submission Date
February 7, 2026
Acceptance Date
June 17, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 3