Minimalism straight from the future, classic busts, a fireplaceas if from an American film and an unreal space that looks like a virtual one. This is how the new studio ‘Didaskalia’, made for Wirtualna Polska, presents itself. Responsible for the project is Jan Sikora, one of the most expressive creators of Polish interior design, who has once again proven that television set design can be a true art.
Wirtualna Polska was looking for a studio to realise a new studio for the popular programme ‘Didaskalia’, hosted by Patrycjusz Wyżga. They ended up at Sikora Wnętrza – not coincidentally. Architect Jan Sikora has already designed the set for the Dzień Dobry TVN studio and is famous for his ability to combine history with modernity. This time, he faced the challenge of creating a space that reflected both the seriousness of geopolitical themes and modern thinking about the world of the future.
–“I sat down with a piece of paper and asked myself: how do I combine the future with tradition? The Oval Office and the scene from The Matrix in which Morpheus offers Neo a red or blue pill came to mind,” – Jan Sikora recalls.
It was these two images – conversations of the highest order and a philosophical choice – that became the starting point for the new set design. A fireplace appeared in the centre – not coincidentally, because it is at the fireplace that the most important conversations take place. It is a symbol of solemnity and class, but at the same time, thanks to its modern colouring, it does not evoke associations with the patina of the past.
The new Wirtualna Polska studio. A futuristic classic.
The “Didaskalia” studio is a mere 30 square metres, and yet – it makes a monumental impression. It is all due to the expressive set design, play with light and unobvious combinations. Attention is drawn to the deep blue colour, which has become the hallmark of this realisation.
–“This colour already appeared in the first version of the studio and was recognisable to the audience. We wanted to create a natural development of it – a kind of upgrade” – explains the architect.
The classic busts stand out against the blue background – not just a decoration, but a symbolic reference to the canon of values: truth, goodness and beauty. Candlesticks, Cuban cigar boxes or a miniature of the Empire State Building appear next to them – every detail has meaning, every detail tells a story. The light lines, as if taken straight from the Starship Enterprise, enhance the futuristic atmosphere, and the mirrored floor adds an almost unreal dimension.
–“It’s a space that some people think is computer-generated. Meanwhile, everything was done physically – we built the studio in two days. Elements, such as the lines on the carpet or the ceiling overhang, were created in our studio,” – Sikora says.
The programme Didaskalia. Scenography to match the conversation
The ‘Didaskalia’ project is fundamentally different from residential interiors. Here, the key factors are the frames, the work of light and the final image that the viewer will see. Everything must be subordinate to the camera – the chair must not obscure the background, and the background itself should be varied, not monotonous.
–“The visuals for such projects are completely different from those for restaurants or flats. Here we design everything from the frame – the final image is the starting point,” the architect points out.
The light not only sculpts the space, but also the emotions. Although the vertical light lines are purely decorative, the rest of the lighting has been finely tuned to bring out the mood, the contours of the faces and the depth of the image. The whole works as a well-composed spectacle – not a coincidence, by the way. After all, the programme’s name ‘Didascalia’ is a theatrical term meaning an addendum, a backdrop to the narrative proper.
–“This interior was meant to evoke thoughtfulness, concentration and at the same time inspire. We wanted it to harmonise with the interviewees and their vision of the world, ” Sikora emphasises.
A studio that sets the bar
The project was several months in the making, but took just two days to assemble. All thanks to a proprietary approach: “design and build”. The architect was involved in every stage – from concept to final touches on the plan.
–“For me, it was a great pleasure – as a creative director, I can rarely be personally involved in every stage. And here everything was mine: the concept, the selection of elements, the assembly. It’s a real designer’s holiday,” he admits with a smile.
The result? A studio that has no equivalent in Polish television. Strong, expressive, but at the same time symbolic and functional. A project that, in Sikora’s own words, ‘sets the bar’ for future realisations in the podcast and video production industry.
Unsurprisingly, as soon as the camera lights fell, the architect felt what every creator longs to experience: immense satisfaction. Because ‘Didaskalia’ is not just a place for conversation – it is a story about how space can set the tone for words.
PROJECT METRICS:
Project name: Studio Didaskalia – Wirtualna Polska
City: Warsaw
Design: Jan Sikora, Sikora Wnętrza
Photography: Tom Kurek
Size of designed space: 30m2
ABOUT THE STUDIO:
Sikora Wnętrza – “the studio was established 10 years ago and has been creating unique interiors with distinctive design since its inception. Each project on our website is different – this is not a coincidence. We have successfully completed over 200 such projects across the country and abroad. The furthest project we have carried out was in the Caribbean, the closest is our studio: loft-like and atmospheric. If you’d like to see an example of our realisation, check out the interiors of ‘Dzień Dobry TVN’ on TV. The most popular studio in the country is our design and realisation. We did this together with our proven contractors. They are available to our investors to realise unique and interesting interior designs for private and urban interiors together with us. Our team are interior architects and architects who are able to realise any design challenge. We create interiors from concept through to execution documentation and, if required, we can carry out the entire project on a turnkey basis. As a Substitute Investor, we take on the full realisation process, relieving the Investor of any responsibility related to interior design. Since the studio was established, we have received over 20 international awards in the USA, Canada, Germany and other countries. We have also received the Architectural Award of Polityka, the Lump of the Year and other national awards such as the “Most Beautiful Interior of Poland 2021″ award.” – reads the website sikorawnetrza.com
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