The BBC has unveiled an innovative, architect-designed mobile recording studio, which is set to tour the UK.

The studio was commissioned for BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Listening Project’, with the chosen design selected as part of an international design competition organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

JaK Studio, an architecture firm based in London, designed the winning studio in conjunction with innovation consultancy Seymourpowell.

The Listening Booth takes the form of a speech bubble and will tour the UK to record and share conversations with people throughout the country to be broadcast by the BBC.

The booth is lightweight and aerodynamic, inspired by the iconic Airstream ‘caravan’ and has been crafted on a standard trailer base.

Behind the plain polycarbonate ‘skin’ of the speech bubble is an interactive light sculpture, which has been made by Light IQ, which reacts and responds to conversations that are taking place inside.

The inside of the booth is adorned with sophisticated acoustic treatments including perforated ceiling rafts, insulation, acoustic furniture, which have been integrated carefully into the design.

This has resulted in the creation of a warm, accessible and intimate environment where people can feel comfortable, uninhibited and relaxed to open up their conversations to the nation.

Stephen Hodder, RIBA President, commented: “The Listening Project Booth is a brilliantly witty project and a great piece of product design. It was the unanimous choice of our competition judges and I’m sure will inspire those who see it on the road and share their stories within it.”

Meanwhile, Radio 4 Commissioning Editor and one of the judges on the panel that awarded the design commission to JaK Studio, Tony Phillips, said he was delighted to be sharing the Listening Booth Project with the world.

He added: “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.”