The Origin
Of hundreds of faculty, only three answered the call for virtual reality proposals. One imagined Harlem.
In 1996, a newsletter at the University of Missouri-Columbia called for proposals to use a new technology called Virtual Reality. Dr. Carter's vision: a representation of Harlem, NY as it existed during the Harlem Renaissance and Jazz Age — the Cotton Club, the Apollo Theater, Marshall's Hotel, museums, galleries, and the Harlem Branch Library, with music of the period and opportunities for students to role-play and create.
The first version was built for CAVE environments — visitors wearing 3D glasses, surrounded by virtual characters and buildings, interacting with one another and the space itself.
The Evolution of Virtual Harlem
1996–97
Conception at Missouri. Proposal accepted; work begins on a 3D representation of 1920s Harlem — among the first VR environments for the humanities.
1999
Into the CAVE. The University of Illinois at Chicago translates Virtual Harlem to a fully immersive CAVE — a testbed for educators and researchers worldwide.
2004
Virtual Montmartre. The Sorbonne funds a companion project — the Lapin Agile, the oldest surviving cabaret in Montmartre, where African American troops introduced jazz to Europe. Dr. Carter is awarded the Professeur Invité for six months in Paris.
2005–06
Second Life. Classes meet entirely in-world. Funded by the National Black Programming Consortium and the Government of Norway, the project blossoms — live jazz concerts, artist exhibits, student museums, and automated agents portraying historic figures.
2012
Open Simulator. The project moves to open source, housed at the University of St. Andrews.
Today
Unity 3D and beyond. Explore the evolving alpha in Curio and Unity 3D — visit Virtual Harlem, create an account, and experience the period yourself.
Methodology
Digital Africana Studies
An initiative to incorporate digital tools, communications, and materials into Africana Studies — defining a methodology for the technological evolution of the field, addressing varied learning styles, and fostering international collaboration.
Live internet radio broadcast
Live group video broadcasting
Virtual environments
Cloud computing
Point-to-point videoconferencing
Augmented reality
Want to visit Virtual Harlem?
© Dr. Bryan Carter · University of Arizona