The Nantucket Steamboat Wharf VR
A game-engine–driven VR experience that transforms a digital twin of Steamboat Wharf from a fixed model into an explorable historical world. The study centers on user agency, asking how self-directed exploration in 3D space reshapes public engagement with maritime history.
Student Researchers: Jayden Ball, Gabi Correa
Faculty Directors: Henry Stankiewicz, Sahil Patel
My Role: 3D modeling, land sculpting, and texturing
The Challenge: How might we turn historical digital replicas into immersive, navigable experiences that make maritime heritiage feel present and personal
The Solution: Unreal Engine 5 virtual reality experience that converts static historical replicas into interactive 3D environments, fostering presence, agency, and deeper public connection to maritime heritiage sites
Tools: Unreal Engine 5, Quixel Bridge, and Maya/Blender
Moodboard
Step 1: Digital Research
Before beginning the modeling process, I first gathered visual references to ensure historical accuracy. As part of the second cohort working on this project, I had the added advantage of studying not only archival images but also the visualizations created by the previous group of students. These earlier interpretations provided a valuable foundation, allowing me to approach the work with both context and a fresh perspective.
Standard House
Ferry Station
Train Station
When first attempting the models the main focus was making their silhouettes and camera-facing sides resemble their historic counterparts. Since Unreal Engine handled the uv's in this case, the main goal was coming up with something convincing via basic shapes
Step 2: Initial Modeling Passes and Textures
Old Jail
Step 3: Physical Research
After reviewing the available digital resources, the next step was to experience the site firsthand. We took a three day trip to Nantucket to visit the areas we were modeling. Seeing the preserved structures in person helped tremendously, I had a much clearer and more informed vision to guide the modeling process.
Step 4: Completed Renders
Behind The Scenes
