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Seewall opens Children’s Hospital to sea world
MUSC Public Relations
September 15, 2006
It
is a masterpiece of art and music, a blend of aquatic life images
flowing in an underwater world with the soothing sounds of orchestral
melodies echoing in the lobby of MUSC Children’s Hospital.
The Seewall, dedicated Sept. 8 in memory of the late pediatrician and
triathlete Peter Hastings, is the only such display for any hospital in
the world, according to John M. Sanders, Children’s Hospital
administrator. The only display like it is in Monaco, and it also was
designed by Seewall creators Olga Stamatiou, Rocco Zappia and Matthew
Zappia.
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Michele Hastings
and children Peter, Erin and Christopher stand in front of the Seewall,
dedicated Sept. 8 in honor of husband and father Dr. Peter Hastings. |
The project is a collaboration of the MUSC Children’s Hospital, the
South Carolina Aquarium and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, with the
world-renowned artists Stamatiou and the Zappias. Seewall adheres to
the concept of using visual and performing arts to aid in the healing
process, Sanders said.
It is an unprecedented combination of art and technology offering
pediatric patients an escape from the confinement of the hospital by
allowing them to explore their underwater fantasies.
Once completed, patients and families visiting the Children’s
Hospital will also enjoy illuminated seascapes in the Atrium. Plasma
screen displays projecting moving images of fish and sea-life all are
shot on location by Rocco Zappia, which combines with the computer
animation of artist Matthew Zappia to bring the display to life. The
production of the project was based out of a studio in Beaufort. Live
feeds from the South Carolina Aquarium allow patients to interact
directly with aquarium divers while a continuous musical score
performed by the Charleston Symphony Orchestra creates an underwater
ballet.
“Over the past 30 years, research has indicated that the audio and
visual arts help to create a healing environment,” Zappia said.
“Although this model provides a safe and stimulating environment for
the child who is hospitalized, we emphasize that the basis of this
concept is that it can be used in any stressful environment.”
Meanwhile, scores of friends, family and former colleagues of the late
Peter Hastings, M.D., joined in dedicating the first phase of Seewall.
Money raised by Hastings’ former master swim club, the Palmetto Master
Swimmers, helped pay for the first phase. Hastings, who died in
September 2005 after competing in a triathlon on Kiawah Island, was
remembered as forever enthusiastic about life. His wife and three
young children participated in the dedication.
While the first phase of Seewall has been completed, fundraising
efforts are under way for construction of more exhibits across the
hospital including patient rooms. Financial contributions for Seewall
can be made by contacting Rocco Zappia at 476-7435.
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