Seewall opens Children’s Hospital to
sea world
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.
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.
Friday, Sept. 15, 2006
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