Sampo Pyhälä

Sampo Pyhälä serves as a Part-time Lecturer in the Department of Film at Aalto University. His professional profile centers on theatrical design, exhibition architecture, and performance space creation with particular focus on Nordic cultural contexts and cross-border artistic collaborations.

His educational background includes:

• Master of Arts in Scenography, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture (1999)
• Bachelor of Arts in Scenography, Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture (1997)

Pyhälä's research interests bridge multiple creative disciplines with emphasis on spatial storytelling and cultural identity. His work explores how physical environments shape narrative experiences in both traditional and contemporary performance contexts. He investigates the intersection of historical traditions with modern design approaches, particularly in Nordic opera productions and international exhibition spaces.

His publication record shows consistent scholarly output since 2010, with notable concentration in 2015 and recent activity in 2021. The works demonstrate a clear trajectory from traditional set design toward more complex spatial installations that incorporate digital elements and cross-cultural perspectives. His research particularly focuses on Finland-Estonia relations, Nordic architectural heritage, and innovative approaches to opera production.

Professional recognition includes:

• Gold Medal from the Prague Quadrennial

Pyhälä maintains active professional engagement as Chair of The Finnish OISTAT Centre since 2015 and as a Member of Teatterimuseo (Theatre Museum) since 2017. He has presented his research internationally at major conferences including USITT in Cincinnati, Spacing Perform@nce in Rome, and E-scapes in Sao Paulo, establishing himself as a significant voice in contemporary performance design discourse.