[2] Nalls conceived the idea of a "World Scent" over a decade before its realization on December 28, 1989, at the Brandenburg Gate, where she found herself atop the Berlin Wall amidst a throng of people.
Moved by the palpable momentum and collective energy of the crowd, Nalls was inspired to envision a formula for the World Sensorium that would encapsulate the essence of inclusivity and universal recognition.
The overarching goal was to faithfully represent the complex molecular compositions of each plant, enabling humans to perceive the scent as authentically as if experienced in its natural habitat.
This approach aimed to evoke similar psychological, emotional, neurological, and immune responses as observed in the cultural traditions associated with each plant.
The composition of these ingredients was determined based on projected population percentages for each country as of the year 2000, ensuring a proportional representation of scents from different regions around the world.
During her quantitative research, Nalls engaged in dialogue with countries that the United States has historically had strained relations with, including Iran (Rose), Iraq (Date Palm), Libya (Orange Blossom), and Cuba (Tobacco).
In 1998, Gayil Nalls' creative achievement with the World Sensorium project was officially recognized when it received endorsement from the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
In a letter addressed to Nalls, Dr. Federico Mayor, the Director-General of UNESCO and a brain biochemist, praised World Sensorium as a "highly original cultural initiative" that would undoubtedly contribute to creating a climate of goodwill and peace during that significant moment in time.
Nalls envisioned the World Sensorium to be experienced collectively, and its creation often involved the assistance of volunteers in gathering the phytogenic materials required for its realization.