The new Kryminatorium podcast studio, designed by the mode:lina™ studio, comprises 42 square metres of meticulously planned space, where the architecture itself helps to create the atmosphere. Marcin Myszka – creator of one of Poland’s most popular true crime podcasts – has gained a space that not only supports the recording process but also creates the atmosphere characteristic of his stories about crimes, disappearances and unsolved cases.
The aesthetics of a detective’s office
The architects’ starting point was the vision of a film-style detective’s office. It is a space where facts weave into a web of connections, and every element of the interior heightens the tension. A palette of black and deep red creates an intense, sombre atmosphere, yet it does not overwhelm – rather, it serves as a backdrop for the stories, which take on added depth within the studio.
The studio was designed as a versatile set for audio and video recordings. Each wall serves a different function, allowing the creator to build different moods. One has been transformed into a detective’s evidence board – with materials tied together with string, evoking the process of reconstructing the course of a crime. It is a visual shorthand that immediately draws the viewer into the world of the investigation.
The second wall offers a more neutral, theatrical backdrop. A heavy curtain and an LED ‘window’ with blinds allow for precise control of the lighting, creating both intimate and more dynamic shots. The most striking feature, however, is the wall with monitors, awards for millions of plays, and vintage audio equipment. A red display bearing the podcast’s name transforms this part of the interior into an installation with a distinctive character.
Contemporary technology
The studio was designed with professional audio production in mind. The walls and ceiling are covered with acoustic panels that eliminate reverberation and ensure a clean recording. A system of studio tracks with lighting and microphones is suspended above the recording area, allowing for quick changes to the setup. Thanks to this, the space can transition in a matter of moments from an intimate monologue to an elaborate video set.
“We wanted to create a space that would serve as a tool for storytelling, help build tension and, at the same time, give the creator complete freedom to work,” emphasises Kinga Kin of mode:lina™. Jerzy Woźniak, co-founder of the studio, adds: “Every wall is a different stage, and the lighting and acoustics allow you to change the character of the recording in a matter of seconds.”
Marcin Myszka points out that Kryminatorium has been based on storytelling from the very beginning. “I wanted a place that captures the atmosphere of these stories, yet remains a comfortable and flexible working tool. This studio gives me exactly that.”
The design challenge
The work by mode:lina™ demonstrates that a modern recording studio need not be a neutral backdrop. It can become an integral part of the narrative, amplifying emotions and building tension even before the first word is spoken. In the case of Kryminatorium, architecture and narrative form a coherent whole, and the 42 square metres of space are transformed into a stage where every story gains added depth.
design: mode:lina™
photography: Patryk Lewiński
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