Jak's roving BBC recording studio unveiled

The BBC has unveiled a mobile recording unit designed by Jak Studio for its Listening Project series.

The design, which won an international RIBA competition, was inspired by speech bubbles and Airstream caravans.

Its polycarbonate skin has been constructed on a standard trailer base around a “light sculpture” that reacts to conversations happening inside.

Internally the designers have tried to create a comfortable, homely feel with a log burner and decorative flying ducks, said JaK partner Jacob Low. Acoustic features include perforated ceiling rafts, insulation and special furniture.

RIBA president Stephen Hodder called it a “brilliantly witty project”.

The Listening Project was launched by the BBC in 2012. People across the UK volunteer to record a conversation with someone close to them about a subject they’ve never discussed intimately before. The conversations are broadcast on Radio 4 and archived by the British Library.

The booth will be launched on June 9 during a special live broadcast with presenter Fi Glover outside New Broadcasting House in London. It will then tour the country.

“I’m delighted that we are now able to share the wonderful Listening Project Booth with the world,” said Tony Phillips, Radio 4 commissioning editor and one of the judges.

“The idea behind the booth was to bring The Listening Project to people up and down the country and to create a unique and welcoming place for them to share significant moments in conversation. The JaK Studio design achieves exactly that and is a fitting beacon for The Listening Project as it moves into its next phase.”