hypha_

hypha_etc [education, theory, culture] is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in Campu Cetatii, Mures County. The association's main purpose is to develop new modes of cooperation, initiate forward-looking educational programs, promote art and creative thinking, research and scientific knowledge, and critical reflection on culture, society, environment, and civilization.

“hypha” is an organic mode of growth taking the shape of a web-like structure. The branches and filaments found in hypha create a communication network for plant life.

hypha_etc is planned to become a growing structure fostered by mutual educational practices, professional meetings, and collaborations. Equipped with technical instruments, measuring and monitoring devices, archives, and laboratories, it aims to fill an institutional void and help facilitate the work of educators, researchers, and art professionals.

It wishes to become a challenging platform for people from different fields and parts of the world with shared social values and who struggle with dilemmas about society, arts, education, scientific ethics and methodology, and critical thinking.

Concept

The idea for this non-profit mutual educational camp was conceived in 2017 with the hope to overcome poor access to critical education in Romania. Bringing together teachers, artists, social thinkers, scientists, and scholars, we aim to promote learning and reflection on culture, society, and the natural environment while facilitating practical applications of theoretical concepts.

Our camp in the Transylvanian Mountains is a space for creativity, hospitality, research, and inspiration – an inclusive platform for people who struggle with the dilemmas and questions concerning today’s world and its historical course. From this rural and natural vantage point we do not withdraw from society but seek a deeper, meaningful understanding of it.

Alex Whitton, the building’s concept architect, developed a practical, environmentally friendly, multimodular concept that uses architecture as a catalyst for exploring the themes incorporated in our program, thus it works in itself as an educational tool.

hypha_etc offers facilities for free workshops and residency programs which are supported in part by renting out the camp’s accommodations and facilities to private and public partners. 

Our programs

Our programs and facilities carefully consider people of all ages. At the core of hypha_etc’s educational philosophy is the concept of mutual education, which rejects traditional hierarchical teaching models in favor of an interactive, collaborative learning process. The camp functions as an extension of public schools, offering schoolchildren and young adults an alternative educational paradigm that prioritizes engagement, exploration, and creative thinking. University students and teachers benefit from lectures, conferences, and summer schools, designed to develop a deeper understanding of contemporary society and the natural world. Additionally, professionals such as artists, architects, and writers are provided with creative spaces, workshops, and studio programs where they can develop and present their work while participating in a broader cultural exchange.

Scientific Observation, Engagement with Nature

hypha_etc places a strong emphasis on scientific literacy and direct engagement with the natural world. Participants are encouraged to explore environmental issues through hands-on research, collecting and examining plants, insects, and mushrooms from the camp’s garden and surrounding forests using professional-grade microscopes. The camp is equipped with weather stations, air pollution monitors, and soil health tracking devices, enabling participants to monitor environmental changes in real-time. Additionally, a solar telescope, planetary observation tools, and imaging equipment allow campers to explore astronomy, deepening their understanding of humanity’s place in the universe. Through these scientific explorations, the project aims to encourage a sense of wonder and curiosity but also equips participants with tangible skills in ecological monitoring and scientific analysis.

Gallery

  • Biodiversity camp by NECC

  • Citizen science program

  • Field Ornithology workshop

  • Summer school

  • Winter below the hill

  • Residency program

  • Stargazing equipment

  • The Village

  • Module 01 accessible rooftop

  • Camp programs

  • Modul 01 housing

  • Classrom in the nature

  • Exhibition sample

  • Nearby lake ''Égerfás tó''

  • Workshop in the garden

  • Astrophotography session

Locations

Câmpu Cetăţii

Our home is in Câmpu Cetății, a.k.a. Vármező (Hungarian), a village in Mureș County, Romania, in the hills of Transylvania. The camp is situated in the inner village area between the river Nyárád and a beautiful beech forest. The building complex has accommodations for overnight guests and a meeting center with café space and lecture hall. The camp integrates outdoor meeting spaces (including on the roof of the building), workspaces. Situated in the center of Romania, the campsite is also an excellent point of departure to visit destinations such as Sibiu, Brașov, Tg. Mureș, Praid, and Sovata. The nearest airports are Cluj-Napoca (CLJ, 2h15m drive) and Târgu-Mureș (TGM, 1h00m drive). 

Târgu Mureş

We maintain an office in the nearby city of Târgu-Mureș which serves as a community hub, meeting space, exhibition space, and information center. Members of our residency program can use this space to promote or present the work they’ve completed during their tenure at the camp.