Virtual Harlem - 1920

Virtual Harlem - 1920

The Virtual Harlem Project is a virtual representation of Harlem, NY as it existed during the 1920s Jazz Age. Created by Dr Bryan Carter @bcmini In 2012, the Virtual Harlem Project was ported to Open Sim. The project is currently housed by us, Open Virtual Worlds @standrewsovw School of Computer Science, University of St. Andrews.

reconstructions

2012

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Reconstruction

191

In Copyright (InC)

current,40.8116,-73.9465;

https://www.openvirtualworlds.org/2015/09/30/the-virtual-harlem-project/

https://www.openvirtualworlds.org/2015/09/30/the-virtual-harlem-project/

Open Virtual Worlds Team University of St Andrews

TEXT

A digital landscape was created using survey data and height map. Models were created in 3D modelling programs and imported into OpenSim (an online, opensource, cross-platform, 3D multi-user virtual environment). The models were then scaled, orientated and assembled. The landscapes were populated with flora and fauna. Where applicable, models of characters and animals were imported and animated.

Dr. Carter's experience with virtual environments began with his dissertation project, on which he began work in 1997; a 3D representation of a portion of Harlem, NY as it existed during the 1920s Jazz Age and Harlem Renaissance. This project, Virtual Harlem, was one of the earliest full virtual reality environments created for use in the humanities and certainly one of the first used in an African American literature course. Virtual Harlem has been presented at venues in Paris, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, and multiple sites in the US. In 2004, the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne funded the development of Virtual Montmartre. Dr. Carter was asked to be the project leader and was awarded the prestigious "Professeur Invite" from the Sorbonne to spend 6 months in Paris. This project realised itself in the development of an interactive website and a small 3D representation of the Lapin Agile, the oldest surviving cabaret in Montmartre, which is still in operation. Since then, Dr. Carter has received a one-month Professeur Invite Award from the Sorbonne a total of 12 times. The evolution of Virtual Harlem was funded in 2006 by the National Black Programming Consortium and the Government of Norway, with the development of Virtual Harlem and Virtual Montmartre in Second Life. These sites were two of the most important locations during the Jazz Age/Harlem Renaissance. Dr. Carter began teaching classes that met totally in Second Life in 2005, where his students have participated in role play, developed content and collaborated with students from around the world. The project has evolved from Second Life to Open Simulator and Unity 3D. http://ibryancarter.com/publications

Bryan Carter (University of Arizona)

Iain Oliver, Alan Miller

1920