Place-Based Branding Project: "Musically Inclined"

This place-based branding project was created for a class I took this past semester - Writing for Strategic Communication. We were tasked with creating a themed personalized walk for incoming freshmen at the University of Florida that would appropriately introduce them to campus. My theme was the best places on campus to listen to music. 

WELCOME TO THE SWAMP

One of the things many students love about the University of Florida is the diverse landscape of people and what they enjoy. There is truly something for everyone, and that includes students who love music - and nature. UF campus is like none other, the drooping trees providing shade from the swamp humidity and walking paths that make getting 10,000 steps a day feel like a breeze are things that not all campuses have the privilege of experiencing. 

Our campus is filled with greenery, headphones with music, and walking shoes everyday; so what better way for someone to get acquainted with campus than to find out where the best places to listen to music are while appreciating the beauty UF campus has to offer? Follow along with me as I walk you through my favorite spots alongside some of my favorite songs to coincide with the vibes.

“LISTEN TO THE MUSIC” - THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

UF campus spreads across 2,000 acres, and for students who are trying to minimize a large campus to make it feel smaller, finding their own personalized spots for some musical therapy can only make their experience on campus better. 

This walk will span across campus starting at the Plaza of the Americas and ending at Lake Alice. Below is a map of the path we will be taking which is about a 32 minute walk, spanning about 1.5 miles. 

Map illustrating the branded walking path from Plaza of The Americas to Lake Alice, showcasing significant campus landmarks such as Marston Science Library and Reitz Student Union, with a scenic 1.5-mile route through the University of Florida.

PLAZA OF THE AMERICAS - “TRAVELIN’ MAN” BY RICKY NELSON

Plaza of the Americas is home to one of the most beautiful landscapes campus has. There are so many grassy areas for students to sit and lounge on and do anything from having a picnic with friends to swinging in hammocks. The best place to listen to music in Plaza is definitely on the grassy areas underneath any of the trees. The shade provides a relief from the heat and humidity of The Swamp. Throughout UF’s history, Plaza of the Americas has always been a gathering place for students to relax, catch up, and have a good time. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. in 1925, Plaza of the Americas has a rich history that spans over decades. The reason why Plaza of the Americas is named the way it is is because back in 1931 when the area was created, 21 students from the 21 countries that had students at UF planted trees in it as a way to represent the diversity UF held. The intersection of nature and gathering is something that anyone who can appreciate the outdoors would immensely enjoy; and as a music lover, it is an amazing place to be able to sit and visualize song lyrics and enjoy the atmosphere. 

“Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson is the perfect song to capture the atmosphere in Plaza of the Americas because it pays homage to the variety of countries represented within the trees and landscape in the Plaza. 

MARSTON SCIENCE LIBRARY ALACHUA SCULPTURE - “BANANA PANCAKES” BY JACK JOHNSON

As you make your way out of the Plaza of the Americas, you turn left and walk towards Marston Science Library, and rather than going indoors for some music listening - you turn to your right over to the well-known Marston “French Fries” or more formerly known as the “Alachua” sculpture directly outside of the library. This sculpture was built by John Raymond Henry as an homage to the county which UF is located in, Alachua County. Henry built the sculpture for students to try and see things from a different perspective, and see how different parts fit together. This is one of the best places on campus to sit and listen to music because it is public while being secluded. There are various spots for students to sit comfortably, and listen to music while observing the hustle and bustle of students walking through campus and going to the library. 

“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson fits this area perfectly because for me personally, it brings me a new sense of perspective and makes me think back to my childhood. I also believe it is a great fit because of the color of the sculpture being yellow, and bananas being yellow, the song fits with the ambience of the area which only amplifies the music listening experience. 

REITZ STUDENT UNION LAWN - “TEXAS SUN” BY LEON BRIDGES

The Reitz Union, first built in 1967 for then president, J.Wayne Reitz, was built to be a community center on campus for students, is the quintessential gathering area. It is located in the middle of campus, and has a variety of resources within it. However, the best spot to listen to music is the lawn located outside of the Reitz Union. It is a very large, expansive area of grass and greenery that students always congregate to as a way to meet up with friends and have a picnic or just lay down and sunbathe. The Reitz lawn and Plaza of the Americas both hold similar purposes however are at opposite ends of campus which provides variety in your music listening experiences. 

“Texas Sun” by Leon Bridges is one of my all time favorite songs to listen to while on a walk because of the imagery surrounding nature. Listening to this song while on the Reitz Lawn on a sunny day would be a perfect way to relax and unwind while exploring and discovering all that this area has to offer.

LAKE ALICE - “SUMMER BREEZE” BY SEALS AND CROFTS

Lake Alice is located on the west end of UF campus, and is a beautiful lake surrounded by agriculture and animals to make the area a perfect one to sit, admire your surroundings, and listen to some music. Lake Alice wasn’t always Lake Alice, but began as Jonas’ Pond, however in 1894, it was renamed into Lake Alice. In 1925, UF bought the land with the lake so they could use it as an agricultural experiment station, and since then the beloved Lake Alice has become a campus staple for many. There are benches surrounding the lake as well as a short trail that leads to more seating areas all of which showcase the beauty of the lake. Sitting on these benches at any time of day is a guaranteed display of beauty. 

“Summer Breeze” by Seals and Crofts is in my opinion the best way to put the feeling that Lake Alice can bring someone into words. The surroundings calm you down while allowing you to experience a pivotal part of UF campus while not being surrounded by people. The breeze felt through the lake and the sounds of birds cooing and water moving is unmatched to any other place on campus, and is definitely a great place to listen to music if you just want to take a breather. 

The UF Campus is a treasure chest filled with beautiful spots to listen to music, whether that be in more secluded areas such as Lake Alice and the Alachua sculpture outside Marston Science Library, or more bustling areas such as the Plaza of the Americas or the Reitz Student Union lawn. For students who enjoy the outdoors and are avid music listeners, these spots can become happy, everyday staples in finding some pleasure within music through the routine they’ll eventually create here at UF. So “Listen to the Music” while daydreaming of “Banana Pancakes” under the “Texas Sun” which will provide you with some “Summer Breeze”, and channel your inner “Travelin’ Man” as you begin to explore campus on your own.