In London, a powerhouse team completed a stunning mobile podcast studio coined The Pod. Fathom Architects in collaboration with Charcoalblue, dn&co Design Consultants, Sweco UK M&E Consultants and Box Deluxe Construction, completed the project in 2017. For their client Stanhope, Mitsui Fudosan, Aimco, the team designed a movable, temporary structure to be used for both podcasters and musicians. The 226-foot modular studio seats six people and is constructed with state-of-the-art recording technologies.
The representatives at Charcoal Blue describe, “The project is a precursor to the permanent podcast studio currently being constructed in White City Place, with Charcoalblue as theatre and acoustics consultants. Located at the heart of the White City regeneration district, the podcast studio’s facade is generated from the first spoken words transmitted by radio – ‘One, two, three, four. Is it snowing where you are Mr. Thiessen?’”
The intimate space with its unusual geometry manipulates its surroundings with the use of a mirrored exterior product. The box was constructed utilizing a steel box frame with CNC cut and folded Mirror Dibond aluminum composite panels. The interior is lined with acoustic insulation to ensure soundproofing. Charcoalblue served as the projects acoustical consultants, working closely with the architects at Fathom to provide a solution that featured ventilated noise control and interior sound-absorption.
The result is stunning, a flexible cubic form that features large circular windows to see inside. The pod is accessed through an extendable stairway, resembling the entrance to a spacecraft. The project was featured on the New London Architecture (NLA) People’s Choice Award shortlist in 2017.
Dibond aluminum was designed for exterior use. It’s flatness, rigidity, and composition allow the material to withstand environmental deterrents without warping. With half the weight of aluminum, the material can be routed and returned to add dimension.
information courtesy of Charcoalblue
Photography courtesy of TrendHunter