Vision
At the intersection of architecture, performance and installation, Space&Story is a multidisciplinary collaborative art and design practice that brings the element of narrative to spatial design, creating unique physical and sensory experiences.
Space&Story specializes in contemporary architectural and interior design, as well as multimedia immersive art installations and performance design. Started by Margaret Krawecka, its goal is to bring a unique artistic approach to the design of physical environments while placing the body and its senses at the centre of spatial experience. The practice draws on human-centered design research in environmental psychology, embodied cognitive science, neuroscience, and phenomenology.
Margaret Krawecka | Artist & Designer
Margaret is an interdisciplinary artist, architectural and interior designer, and scenographer who brings a research-driven, body-centered, intercultural perspective to the process of spatial design.
Born in Kraków, Poland, Margaret spent her childhood in the sensory-rich and immersive world of Kuwait, before immigrating with her family to Canada. She completed her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Toronto, focusing her final thesis on movement in architecture and contemporary dance. She then studied performance design in a Masters of Arts in Scenography at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London. In the UK, she also discovered promenade theatre and site-specific performance installation, her passion for the discovery of space through sensory perception and movement of the body continuing to influence her work.
With many years of experience working internationally in architecture firms, as well as collaboratibely on theatre, dance, and multimedia projects, Margaret continues to develop her practice, working across disciplines, always experimenting with new ideas and approaches, focusing on immersive narrative space.
With a life spent between three continents, I draw on my passion for understanding other cultures to bring the element of empathy to my work, opening up diverse points of view through tangible spatial experience. My architecture background plays a key role in my creative approach to installation, scenography, and other time-based work. I am interested in exposing hidden structures and patterns in space and time, applicable to ordering narrative or configuring physical movement. Through my immersive environments, I strive to combine my experience in architecture and theatre to create narratives experienced through sensory interaction and physical movement in space.
- MK
CV
EDUCATION
2021-( ) - Doctoral Candidate, PhD in Architectural Design - Department of Architectural Design, ETSAB Barcelona School of Architecture, UPC Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Spain
“The Body as Instrument for Empathy” - an investigation on first-person embodied experience of narrative and perspective in architectural space and immersive installation
2004-2005 - Master of Arts in Scenography - Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London, UK
Study Placement: BAI Bizkaia Drama School, Bilbao, Spain (spring 2005)
1996-2001 - Bachelor of Architecture - University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, Canada
Exchange program at Kraków Polytechnical University (spring 2000)
Study Abroad program in Nice, France (autumn 1999)
1996 - Graduated from the University of Toronto Schools high school
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2013 - Space and Story: a retrospective - UTS Keys Gallery, Toronto
2012 - Narrative Spaces: Scenographic projects by Margaret Krawecka - Nova Resto Bar, Kraków
GROUP SHOWS
2017 - The New Normal - The Hangar UMAM D&R & Dawawine, Beirut, Lebanon
2011 - Kaleidoscope - Sunnyside Beach Juried Art Show & Sale, Toronto
2010 - Excavations - Polish Combatant Hall, Toronto Scotiabank Nuit Blanche
2010 - My Sunnyside - Sunnyside Beach Juried Art Show & Sale, Toronto
2009 - Changing Room - Sunnyside Beach Juried Art Show & Sale, Toronto
2009 - Fragment - Polish Combatant Hall, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Toronto
COLLABORATIVE INSTALLATIONS
2024 - Extinction – workshop presentation - Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto
2013 - The Hunger - World Stage Design 2013 exhibition, online
2012 - The Hunger (adaptation) - Harvest Festival, Ontario
2012 - The Hunger - Scotiabank Studio Theatre, Pia Bouman Studios, Toronto
2011 - Hansel and Gretel (The Hunger workshop v.2) - Gallery 99, Toronto Nuit Blanche
2009 - The Hunger (workshop v.1) - Deleon White Gallery, Toronto
2008 - Cocoon Garden (adaptation) - Harvest Festival, Ontario
2008 - Cocoon Garden - St. Patrick's Market Square, Toronto Scotiabank Nuit Blanche
2006 - Empty Act - La Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland
2001 - Territory - Gallery Este, Toronto
2001 - Optic 2001 - The Warehouse nightclub, Toronto
ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN
2023-24 - KDMPC Clinic, Orillia, Ontario - Design consulting and feasibility study for new 2,500 sqft family physician offices: space planning and interior design, with focus on:
optimization of patient flow and staff interaction
maximization of natural light and incorporation of biolphilic design principles
2020 - Doe Lake Cottage, Gravenhurst, Ontario - in collaboration w/ Sylvia Pawlowska
2015-20 - besomething, Edmonton - interior design, lighting, permanent art installations - in collaboration w/ branding company & graphic designer
Prairie Noodle Shop ramen restaurant
Huang Long restaurant
Sherbrooke Liquor Tasting Room
New Skin Laser Studio skin care clinic
2019 - Weston Village House Addition & Renovation, Toronto
2018 - Hunter Coffee Shop, Toronto
2017 - Skills for Change childcare centre kitchen renovation, Toronto
2015 - Contract for Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto - mineralogy collections storage area compaction & new classroom with minerals display
design development & working drawings
assistance in selection of finishes, furniture & lighting
2014 - Kraków House - interior design & minor interior renovations, including kitchen, bathrooms, custom millwork, lighting, finishes and furniture selection
2015 - Beaches House Addition & Renovation, Toronto - in collaboration w/ re:Built Developments
2012 - Family Physician Clinic, Orillia, Ontario - interior design consulting, thematic CNC’d wall installations and toddler play corner, architectural films
2006 - Kraków Studio - interior design of flexible studio apartment in new residential unit, Kraków
PROJECTS WITH FIRMS
2020-24 - Contract work for interior design firms Studio Gaia (New York City) and MAED Collective (Toronto): interior retrofit of Las Vegas hotel suites / public areas; luxury condominium public areas; high-end residences; hotel suites
2021-23 - Contract work for architecture firms Dewson Architects (Toronto) and MTTR MGMT (Miami): net zero carbon emissions residence; multifunctional performance building; residential tower (design development, detailing, working drawings)
2021 - Spiral of Victory Monument, John Paul II Polish Cultural Centre, Mississauga - technical detailing assistant to artists Ania & Wojtek Biczysko
2018-19 - Contract work for Studio CANOO Architecture - townhouse, minor school renovations
2017 - Part-time collaboration w/ Nakamura Cassidy Design Architecture on residential projects, Toronto
2015-16 - Contract work for architecture firm RAW Design (Toronto) - contract administration assistance for new mid-rise condominium
2011 - Contract work for Clarendon Development (Sudbury) - feasibility studies for conversion of elementary school into residential lofts
2010-11 - Taylor Smyth Architects, Toronto (full-time)
Completed with team design & detail development for Cedarvale School addition tender package
Designed with team CUPE Ontario Regional Headquarters offices (40,000 sqft interior retrofit): schematic to tender
Completed with team DD & building permit package for Market Street Development commercial restoration / renovation of listed buildings & new addition
2010 - Contract work for Susan Speigel Architects (Toronto) - worked with team on hard landscaping for Toronto Community Housing Curb Appeal projects
2008 - Contract work for architecture firm Team Project (Toronto) - designed with team new office/studio spaces for LIFT (Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto)
2007-8 - Giannone Petricone Associates, Toronto (part-time)
Designed with team renovation of Ontario Science Centre Valley Marketplace cafeteria, including sculptural ceiling elements: schematic to tender
Researched new sustainable & recycled materials
2007 - Donaghy + Dimond Architects, Dublin, Ireland (full-time)
Completed DD & tender package for renovation & extension works to 3-storey Georgian house & garden shed in Ranelagh area of Dublin
Completed with team DD & building permit package for addition & renovation of (historic) elementary school in Inchicore, Dublin
2005-6 - Brooks Murray Architects, London, UK (full-time)
Worked on design for facade restoration & addition to Victorian seaside hotel
Worked on schematic design of exterior elevations for six-storey mixed-use building in Central London
2003-4, 2008 - Gulf Consult Architects Engineers Planners, Kuwait (full-time)
Planning of large private residential complex in Wafra area
Schematic design of private seaside chalet complex in Julaya area
DD of exterior elevations for Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait (institutional)
Completed with team schematic master plan study for the Scientific Center extension (recreational)
Design of key outdoor elements for the College of Business Studies: clocktower & sundial
2001-2 - Hariri Pontarini Architects, Toronto (full-time)
Outdoor architecture / landscaping for private residence: schematic to working drawings
Assisted with proposal for U of T Faculty of Law master plan: drawings, booklet & vision statement
Worked with team on DD for York University Schulich School of Business Resource Center
Assisted with McKinsey & Co. office millwork working drawing package
Assisted with writing project pursuit vision statements & graphic design layouts
1997 - Ministry of Culture and Communications, Hull, Quebec - Ontario-Quebec Summer Student Job Exchange Program
Architectural documentation & recommendation for improvement of 50 municipal libraries in the Outaouais region
MUSEUM EXHIBIT DESIGN
2018 - Exhibition on architectural design projects of Janusz Krawecki in Kuwait, AFM University, Kraków - Graphic design of display panels
2015 - Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto - Mineralogy collections storage area renovation & new classroom with minerals display area - Contract
2014 - Museum of the Home Army, Kraków - Szare Szeregi (Gray Ranks) exhibition on history of Polish Scouts in WWII - Artistic Collaborator
2008 - Lublin Museum, Poland - New permanent multimedia archeological exhibition designed by Kraków-based MM Radniccy - Design Assistant
EVENT DESIGN ARTISTIC DIRECTION
2006 - Promenade theatre event Egyptian Fantasia - University College London, UK - Commissioned by the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archeology - Co-Artistic Director & Designer
2005-6 - Future Cinema (now Secret Cinema), part of Future Shorts Film Network, London, UK - Associate Artist
The Matrix - Mansion House, Dublin, Ireland - Artistic Director
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off - Greenwich Park, UK - Director of live performance
Gothic Nightmares - Ashton Court Mansion, Bristol, UK - Set Dresser
In Transit - London Film Festival, SE1 / London Bridge Vaults, London, UK - Installation Artist
SCENOGRAPHY
2023 - Alt Suite - 20 min music theatre video - Set & Costume Design
2019 - Everybody Dies In December - Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, Toronto - Set Design
2014 - Coming music video by Ewa Uryga - Bytom, Poland - Set Design Collaborator
2014 - Legendy - Rozbark Theatre, Bytom, Poland - Set and Projection Mapping Design
2013 - Speak, Love - dance theatre by Sasha Ivanochko - Rachel Browne Theatre, Winnipeg; OFFTA Festival, Montreal; Winchester Street Theatre, Toronto - Set Design
2010 - Dancemakers: Double Bill #2 - Enwave Theatre, Toronto - Set Design Assistant to Trevor Schwellnus
2009 - Artform, Toronto - Television Production Design Assistant
2007 - Bette Midler - Colosseum, Las Vegas - Set Design Assistant to Michael Levine
2006 - Perfection - Old Red Lion Theatre, London, UK - Set Design
2006 - 4:48 Psychosis - Tangram Theatre, Old Red Lion Theatre & Arcola Theatre, London, UK - Set Design
2006 - Gotterdammerung - Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, UK - Production Design Internship
2005 - Space is Not Empty - Scenoworks Festival, Cochrane Theatre, London, UK - Set and Projection Design, Script, Direction
2005 - Citric City - Ollerias factory, Periferiak Festival, Bilbao, Spain - Set Design, Direction
VIDEO / PROJECTION DESIGN
2020 - We Teach Our Objects How To Speak Our Language (stop-motion video with Theatre Conspiracy)
2018 - Green Zoo Festival, Krakow (video projection)
2012 - Kaleidoscopic Landscapes - FAT: Toronto Arts & Fashion Week, Toronto (video projection)
2012 - Roll out the croissants - 14th Annual Parkdale Film + Video Showcase, Toronto (stop-motion video with J. Callaghan)
ARTIST RESIDENCIES
2015 - Banff Artist in Residence (BAiR) summer program in Visual Arts, The Banff Centre, Alberta
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2020-22 - Invited guest critic at architectural and interior design studio student reviews: U of T, U Waterloo, U of Sharjah, Yorkville U
2019 - Part-time Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo School of Architecture
2019 - Sessional Lecturer, Daniels Faculty of Architecture, University of Toronto (1st year undergrad architectural design studio)
2017 - Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Waterloo School of Architecture (2nd year underg architectural studio “The Function of Affect: Durational Space in Architecture and Cinema”)
2010 - Worked with drama teacher & students to create entrance foyer thematic art installation for the University of Toronto Schools Centennial Play
1998 - Teaching Assistant, University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design (2nd year history of architecture course by Kenneth Hays “Modern Movements in Architecture”)
LECTURES / ARTIST TALKS
2024 - Presented co-authored paper at the 7th International Symposium on Formal Methods in Architecture (7FMA24), Porto
“Formalization and Education in Architectural and Urban Design and their Hermeneutic Dimensions”
2024 - Student presentation at Moving Boundaries Nordic X, Aalto University, Helsinki
“Margaret Krawecka: Architecture, interiors, scenography, installations”
2024 - Presented co-authored paper at EURAU24 European Research on Architecture and Urbanism International Conference, Milan
IN-PRESENCE / THE BODY AND THE SPACE: The role of corporeity in the era of virtualization
“Architecture and Corporeity: Towards a new concept of placemaking”
2024 - Presented paper at ARQUITECTONICS 2024 conference, ETSAB-UPC, Barcelona
“Szczecin Philharmonic: More than a concert hall”
2023 - Presented paper at ARQUITECTONICS 2023 conference, ETSAB-UPC (online):
“Architecture, embodiment, transcultural communication: Expo 2020, Dubai”
2023 - Student presentation at Moving Boundaries 2023, Guadalajara
“The Body as Instrument for Empathy: atmosphere, affordances, embodied metaphor”
2022 - Presented paper at ARQUITECTONICS 2022 conference, ETSAB-UPC, Barcelona
“The Body and Physical Environment in Hybrid Immersive Experiences”
2022 - Presented paper at ISUF Int’l Seminar on Urban Form 2022 conference, Krakow-Lodz (online)
“Dancing on the Peripheries: Performative architecture and cultural diversity in the city of Barcelona today”
2022 - Presented paper at The Place of Memory and the Memory of Place conference, London Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Oxford (online)
“The Role of the Body in Architectural Experience: Places of memory of the Holocaust”
2015 - Artist talk at monthly Urban Toronto Beekeepers' Association meeting
2013 - Presented paper at Prague Quadriennale of Performance Design & Space symposium "Layering Reality: the Right to Mask"
"Masking as narrative tool in multi-sensory immersive performance installation"
2010 - Guest lecturer at the University of Winnipeg, Canada (Department of English Literature: fairy tales unit)
"Narrative structure in self-directed performance installation based on Hansel and Gretel"
ACADEMIC
2022-25 - Proofreading of academic texts, ETSAB-UPC, Barcelona
2022-24 - Part of Organization Team of ARQUITECTONICS: Mind, Land and Society international conferences at ETSAB-UPC, Barcelona
2013-14 - Professional translation of texts from Polish to English
WORKSHOPS / RESEARCH
2025 - Attended Conscious Cities Festival, online
2024 - Followed “Cycle of Conversations on Corporeal Architecture” (2021-24) - HFT Stuttgart / ACE, online
2024 - Completed workshop in AnyLogic simulation modelling software, Porto
2024 - Completed Moving Boundaries Nordic X course by ANFA, Konstfack, Stockholm & Aalto University, Finland
Focus group: “Tools Telling Time - Sundials and Hormones: Design Explorations”
2024 - Completed course in TouchDesigner visual programming software, Centre Cívic Convent de S. Agustí, Barcelona
2023 - Attended Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) Conference (2020, 2021, 2023), online
2023 - Completed Moving Boundaries 2023 course by ANFA, Guadalajara, Mexico
Focus group: Elementary school for blind and visually impaired children
2022 - Attended “Architecture and its Stories” AIARG Annual Conference, UCD Architecture & MoLI, online
2022 - Attended “The Scenographic City: using scenography to understanding urban experience”, online
2021 - Attended Frascari V Symposium: Theatres of Architectural Imagination, online
2022 - Attended CogSci 2022 Conference, Toronto
2019 - Attended MuseumNext: Future of Museum Storytelling Conference, New Yokr City
2019 - Completed “The Hidden Lives of Spaces: Site-Based Performance Ecology” mixed reality workshop, Prague Scenography Quadrennial, Czech Republic
2019 - Participated in “On the Properties of Things: Collective Knowledge and Objects of the Museum” symposium, Ryerson University, Toronto
2016 - Completed introductory "3D Rhinoceros" & "Revit for Architecture" courses
2014 - Visited the Alhambra complex to study organic architectural tessellations, Spain
2014 - Attended COLOSS & EurBee 2014 conferences, Murcia, Spain
2014 - Participated in Prague Quadriennale Sharedspace scenography workshop, Zbigniew Raszewski Theatre Institute, Warsaw
2013 - Attended "The Body in Muslim Culture" conference, University of Warsaw Faculty of Oriental Studies
2013 - Attended Boska Komedia Int’l Theatre Festival, Cricoteka Festival ("Choreographic Machine" / "Poliphonies"), Academy of Fine Arts symposium on 20th-21st century Polish scenography, Kraków
2013 - Completed "Visual Grammar Basics" documentary film-making workshop, Doc Story Studio, Toronto
2010 - Attended University of Toronto FALD landscape architecture symposium "Innate Terrain"
2010 - Attended FALD conference "Architecture Therapeutics Aesthetics"
2008 - Travelled to Iran to research the use of ornamental calligraphy & pattern on architectural surfaces
2007 - Attended U of T FALD symposium "Ornament: Islamic Traditions & Contemporary Practice", Toronto
2007 - Attended Prague Scenography Quadriennale, Czech Republic
2005 - Attended & performed in ACT International Theatre Schools Festival, Bilbao, Spain
2003 - Completed film directing workshop, University of Toronto Hart House Film Board
2003 - Attended conference "Theatre by Design: Scenography in Canada", Toronto
2003 - Completed manual rendering techniques course, Ryerson University, Toronto
2002 - Completed video production / post-production workshop, Trinity Square Video, Toronto
Attended Expo 1998 (Lisbon), Expo 2000 (Hanover), Expo 2020 (Dubai)
GRANTS
2023 - Canada Council for the Arts Professional Development for Artists travel grant (Moving Boundaries course)
2021 - Ontario Arts Council Integrated Arts project research/creation grant (Extinction)
2020 - Canada Council / CBC Radio-Canada Digital Original grant (stop-motion video with Theatre Conspiracy)
2020 - Canada Council for the Arts Integrated Arts project research/creation grant for Extinction
2019 - Canada Council for the Arts Professional Development for Artists travel grant (VR / mixed reality workshop at PQ)
2014 - Ontario Arts Council Integrated Arts creation grant (Requiem Apis)
2014 - Toronto Arts Council Media Arts creation grant (Requiem Apis)
2011 - Canada Council for the Arts Integrated Arts production grant (The Hunger)
2010 - Ontario Arts Council Exhibition Assistance grant (Fragment)
2009 - Ontario Arts Council Integrated Arts creation grant (The Hunger)
SCHOLARSHIPS
2023 - Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Doctoral Fellowship
1996 - Hattie Aileen Sommerville Scholarship - University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design
RECOGNITIONS
2018 - Hunter Coffee Shop voted by blogTO as one of Best New Cafes in Toronto in 2018
2016 - Finalist at Canadian Regional Design Awards: Honourable Mention for Prairie Noodle Shop (in collaboration with Be Something)
2016 - Prairie Noodle Shop voted as one of Top 3 Best New Restaurants in Edmonton in 2016 Globe & Mail
2006 - 4:48 Psychosis selected by London TimeOut as 5-star critic’s pick of the week
AFFILIATIONS
Member of the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA), La Jolla, California
Member of the GIRAS International Research Group on Architecture: Design, Territory and Society (UPC Polytechnic University of Catalonia)
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CRITICAL REVIEWS
Bacha, Kyle. Torontoist. Weekend Planner May 26-27, 2012. Events. Web. 25 May 2012.
Bateman, David. “The Hunger”. Bateman Reviews. Blog. Web. 23 May 2012.
Bugała-Azarko, Marzena. "Legends: first pemiere at Rozbark Theatre". Dziennik Zachodni. 31 June 2014.
Davis, Benjamin. “4.48 Psychosis”. Time Out London. 8-15 March. 2006: 129. Print. (Critic's Choice - 5 stars)
Ed. “Scene and Heard: The Hunger. Interactive theatre goes edible.”. The Scene in T.O. Web. 24 May 2012.
Hatfield, Erin. “The Hunger explores mass consumption in Parkdale”. Inside Toronto. 24 May 2012.
M., Adnan. “The Hunger: An Immersive Theatre Experience”. The Arts Scene. Blog. Web. 27 May 2012.
M., Heidy. “The Hunger”. Hye’s Musings. Blog. Web. 25 May 2012.
Mohr-Blakeney, Victoria. “Dance in the City: The Hunger”. Toronto Standard. 26 May 2012. Web. 25 May 2012.
"Pociag Kulturalny." Kultura i Rozrywka. TVP. 29 May 2014. Television.
Sanecki, Tomasz. "First premiere at Rozbark Theatre behind us". bytom.pl. Web.
Wycisk, Karolina. "Werewolves are afraid of tar". Teatralia online magazine. Web. 5 June 2014.
PUBLICATIONS
MUNTAÑOLA THORNBERG, J., KRAWECKA, M. y SAURA CARULLA, M., 2024. Architecture and Corporeity: Towards a new concept of place-making. . S.l.: Publica press, ISBN 9788899586409.
KRAWECKA, M. y MUNTAÑOLA THORNBERG, J., 2022. Dancing on the Peripheries: Performative architecture and cultural diversity in the city of Barcelona today. . S.l.: Lodz University of Technology, ISBN 978-83-67934-03-9.
KRAWECKI, Janusz. Introduction (KRAWECKA, Margaret Trans.). In: WOZNIAK, Jacek. Contemporary Architecture in Kuwait. Jack-Art Productions, 2013. ISBN 9789996603471, 9996603474.