A4 Refereed article in a conference publication
The fourth dimension of the city or transforming urban images into the network: Case studies of Finnish virtual cities
Authors: Inkinen TA
Conference name: 6th World Multiconference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics
Publishing place: Orlando
Publication year: 2002
Book title : Proceedings of the 6th World Multiconference on Systemics, Cybernetics and Informatics. Vol. 18..
Journal name in source: 6TH WORLD MULTICONFERENCE ON SYSTEMICS, CYBERNETICS AND INFORMATICS, VOL XVIII, PROCEEDINGS
Number in series: 18
First page : 529
Last page: 534
Number of pages: 6
Abstract
In this paper, three virtual representations of cities are analysed. The central aim is to evaluate the debate concerning 'virtual cities' and their ability to enhance the urban experience. The cases are dealing with Finnish cities that are Helsinki, Tampere and Turku. I concentrate on three dimensional city models to be found on the Internet. The theoretical analysis is based on an evaluation of the techno-positivist argumentation and theorisation of space. I evaluate the cases based on the data collected from expert interviews. The following ideas were obtained as central conclusions. Firstly, the technological implementation differs between cases. Secondly, the private-public dichotomy is evident in the nature of these 'spaces'. Thirdly, the future oriented 'hype' over these implementations is clear. The media is in central position in this respect. Finally, the virtual cities are difficult to use and their purpose is unclear. Even though the knowledge of the existence of these projects is relatively high, the frequency of use is low. The virtual city is very much a city with no inhabitants: a city of technological development and future project, but not a city of everyday life a project made by computer professionals for computer professionals.
In this paper, three virtual representations of cities are analysed. The central aim is to evaluate the debate concerning 'virtual cities' and their ability to enhance the urban experience. The cases are dealing with Finnish cities that are Helsinki, Tampere and Turku. I concentrate on three dimensional city models to be found on the Internet. The theoretical analysis is based on an evaluation of the techno-positivist argumentation and theorisation of space. I evaluate the cases based on the data collected from expert interviews. The following ideas were obtained as central conclusions. Firstly, the technological implementation differs between cases. Secondly, the private-public dichotomy is evident in the nature of these 'spaces'. Thirdly, the future oriented 'hype' over these implementations is clear. The media is in central position in this respect. Finally, the virtual cities are difficult to use and their purpose is unclear. Even though the knowledge of the existence of these projects is relatively high, the frequency of use is low. The virtual city is very much a city with no inhabitants: a city of technological development and future project, but not a city of everyday life a project made by computer professionals for computer professionals.
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