The article reflects on the ambitious project initiated in the late 1990s to create a virtual 3D model of Helsinki, a city's digital embodiment that was part of the internet boom. The idea was to design an interactive experience that included various services and facilities within this digital version of the city, which was envisioned to serve as a hub for online interactions. However, this initiative faced various technical and financial challenges, leading to significant setbacks and eventual abandonment.

During the autumn of 1996, there was a palpable sense of excitement mixed with disappointment as the plans for this virtual Helsinki unfolded. The project aimed to capture the essence of the city in a user-friendly format; however, the rapid commercialization of the demo scene and the evolving landscape of internet technologies posed insurmountable challenges. As developers struggled to keep pace with the demands of the industry, the project fell behind schedule and failed to gain traction among the intended audience.

In retrospect, the article highlights the lessons learned from the challenges faced during the development of this virtual city project, emphasizing not just the ambition behind it but also the importance of timing, market needs, and technological feasibility in such forward-thinking ventures. As an early experiment, it showcased the potential of what digital environments could offer but ultimately served as a cautionary tale about the risks inherent in such high-stakes technological undertakings.