Visual communication in underground public transportation systems; A design proposal for Ankara metro

In today's world, where urbanization continues rapidly, transportation is one of the leading problems of the metropolitan cities. Underground metro (subway) systems, which are an indispensable part of the solutions generated for transportation problems, are able to carry up to millions of passengers daily. As the number of passengers increases in these complex metro systems, the importance of guidance and information graphics is increasing. Metro, as a fast and punctual transportation vehicle, have the effect of social and cultural life as well as the solution of transportation problems of cities. The metros have become an important part of the city identity with their architectural and visual structures, performances and musicians. In the world there are separate art units and metro museums established to organize art activities in many metro systems. The initial part of this thesis study addresses the post industrial revolution urbanization and transportation issues and the interurban light rail mass transportation developed during this period. The second part of the thesis studies the visual communication systems of the subways around the globe and evaluates the solutions offered for the visual communication challenges arising on the metro systems. Finally, the historical, cultural, social and economic aspects of Ankara city are explained. Ankara Metro system is represented and its current communication issues are analyzed and a design proposition for Ankara Metro system is offered. In the 21st century when visual communication has undergone radical changes due to scientific and technological developments, the solutions offered to communication problems are also diversified. Despite this diversity, the solutions offered to these communication problems must be scientific and aesthetic within the discipline of visual communication design. Keywords: Metro, Subway, Visual Communication, Ankara, Graphic Design.