In the world today and in Turkey, poverty and its alleviation has become an important issue. As a result, detailed studies for the identification of poverty need to be done. In the recent years, the spatial aspect of the multidimensional character of poverty is gaining significance. For this purpose, in this thesis, spatial aspects of poverty are tried to be analysed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the case of Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren District in Ankara. Firstly, a digital map of the spatial distribution of the urban poor living in Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren is made and linked to the database to analyse the spatial distribution. The poverty database used in this study is based on the data collected by the Social Assistance and Solidarity Foundation in the district. It includes state of poverty and some sociodemographic characteristics of the households who applied for social assistance. The analyses with respect to the methodology of this study aims at finding the common characteristics of poor settlements and the areas/households which are the poorest of the poor in Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren. The maps obtained as a result of spatial data analysis indicate the dense living areas of the poor, clusters of poor households, neighbourhood level poverty analysis and poor areas within neighbourhoods. There are also additional analyses which compare the characteristics of the geographical distribution of the poor with other aspects, such as land values, roads and building conditions. Such a study can be helpful to re-allocate the poverty alleviation efforts more efficiently by determining priority areas.

Tunnel structures are important investments especially for urban areas. Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren - Tandogan metro alignment is one of those investments executed by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality. The purpose of this research is to evaluate Tunnel Boring Machine (Earth Pressure Balance type) (TBM-EPB) performance within different lithological units encountered along Tandogan -Mecidiye segment of the Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren - Tandogan metro tunnel. The evaluation is based on the data obtained from traditional site investigation methods, statistical approaches and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Complex geological and hydrogeological conditions are found to be effective in the advancement of a TBM implemented in tunnel boring works. A good understanding of the geology is essential in such cases. Available field (in-situ) and laboratory tests have been used in order to determine geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical properties of the metro tunnel alignment. Advancements in the tunnel boring process also proved that hydrogeological conditions are effective on the performance of TBM so related data are considered carefully while preparing cross-section layers and calculating weights in order to display the distribution of excavation difficulty classes through the tunnel alignment.

This study is based on a comparison of the spatial choices of two middle class groups residing in &Ccedil / ayyolu and Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren in Ankara. Spatial choices include the residences and neighborhood, the consumption of various places and activities in urban space and evaluations of the urban space. To search for the effects of alternative factors on the spatial choices along with well-known economic capital, two upper middle class groups are chosen as the basis of comparison. In line with the effects of Bourdieu&amp / #8217 / s cultural capital and social and symbolic capital on the differentiation of middle class / the location choice, spatial use and evaluation differences of the two groups at hand are investigated. Based on the effects of consumption sphere in class formation, the influence of the concept of &amp / #8216 / taste&amp / #8217 / and the differentiating aspect of lifestyle is discussed and how the resulting spatial tastes and choices may affect the development of urban space is presented in the case of Ankara. The importance of considering theoretically the local variations in studies conducted in urban space based on the daily practices of urbanites is revealed by the discussions of cultural factors that are special to Ankara and Turkey.

This thesis aims to set out an urban public design framework based on gender differences and experiences, in order to pay attention to the design of the open public spaces, parks in particular, to enhance them as places which are friendly to all people. In this manner two public parks were selected in Ankara to verify the theoretical framework and hypotheses set. The thesis study first makes a review of theoretical concepts of gender relations in public spaces and recreational areas. Then, it explains how an open public space is examined with respect to the three main headings, user profiles, use patterns and sense of safety felt by users. The case studies are Segmenler Park in the Gaziosmanpasa- Kavaklidere district and Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren Park in the Ke&ccedil / i&ouml / ren district, two public parks in two different sectors of the city with different cultural, economical and social structures. The concept of gender differences and effects of gender relations on the use patterns of a place and vice a versa, different needs and perceptions of men and women in public places and effective design solutions are studied in the second chapter. Then, two public parks are examined with the above framework. This is done first with respect to the mentioned component, and then with the data based on maps, photographs, personal observation and questionnaires which to find out the problems and characteristics of the users. Finally in the conclusion, the differences and needs of users and strengths and weaknesses of design and planning of the parks are evaluated to set specific design principles and solutions in the design of public parks.