The Scent of Memory: Translating the Invisible into Voxels

Starting Not with Shapes, but with a Scent

When I begin building a new area in KOBE Diorama Adventure (kodiad), I don’t start by looking at maps or architectural blueprints.
Instead, I start with a scent — the quiet, earthy smell that drifts down from the mountains.
This invisible element is the true foundation of the "Kobe atmosphere" I want to preserve.

Capturing the "Earthy Breeze"

How do you represent a smell in a world made of blocks?
In kodiad, I translate the freshness of the mountain air through the density of the greenery and the specific shades of green used for the slopes.
By placing "Ma" (intentional space) where the wind would naturally flow, I try to make the player feel that cool, quiet rhythm that defines the city.

Preserving the Impression

As I’ve shared before, my project is about memory, not just a replica.
When I recall the mountains of Kobe, it isn't just a visual image; it’s a sensory experience.
By focusing on these "small impressions," I hope to create a digital home that feels familiar and warm to anyone who has ever felt the pulse of this city.

The mountains and the sea of Kobe are connected by this quiet rhythm, and every block I place is a tribute to that invisible bond.

• Experience the Memory: Walk through the sensory world of Kobe on The Sandbox map.
  👉 Play KOBE Diorama Adventure on The Sandbox