Kryminatorium, one of the most popular true crime podcasts in Poland, has been attracting hundreds of thousands of listeners since 2018 with stories of real crimes, mysterious disappearances, and unsolved cases. Each episode is a standalone story, narrated by Marcin Myszka using storytelling, music, and sound effects to build tension.
When designing the new studio, the architects at mode:lina™ set out to create a space that would become an active element of storytelling. The inspiration came from the aesthetic of a cinematic detective’s office – a place where facts intertwine into a network of clues, and the atmosphere builds suspense even before the first word is spoken.
The interior is kept in a palette of black and deep red, reinforcing the dark tone of the narrative. A key concept of the design is flexibility – the studio was created as a transformable scenography for both audio and video recordings.
One of the walls has been turned into a detective investigation board, with materials connected by strings, referencing the process of linking facts and reconstructing crimes. Another offers a more neutral background – a heavy curtain and an LED “window” with blinds, allowing precise control of the atmosphere through lighting. The most striking element is the wall featuring monitors, awards for millions of listens, and vintage audio equipment. The composition is completed by a red display with the podcast’s name, transforming this part of the interior into a quasi-art installation.
The design also responds to the technical requirements of audio production. Walls and ceiling are covered with acoustic panels, and above the recording area, professional studio rails with lighting and microphones have been installed. This allows for quick changes in the recording setup – from an intimate monologue to a more elaborate video scenography.
“We wanted to create a space that would act as a storytelling tool, help build tension, and at the same time give the creator full freedom to work,” says Kinga Kin, designer at mode:lina™.
“We were interested in combining atmosphere with functionality. Each wall is a different scene, and light and acoustics allow the character of the recording to change within seconds,” adds Jerzy Woźniak, co-founder of mode:lina™.
“Kryminatorium has always been a project based on storytelling. I wanted a place that reflects the mood of these stories, while remaining a comfortable and flexible work tool. This studio gives me exactly that,” says Marcin Myszka.
The project demonstrates that in contemporary media, recording spaces are no longer just neutral backgrounds. More and more often, they become an integral part of the story – supporting the narrative and enhancing the emotional experience of the audience.
