FOR RENT SHOES | Baltimore, Md

SNEAKS & SECURITY...Forging Security into Style

The Challenge: 

In the wake of the 2015 Baltimore Riots, the owners of For Rent Shoes came to us with a critical challenge shared by many city storefronts: a need for enhanced security. The goal, however, was not to create a fortress. They needed a design that would protect their business while still being visually exciting, inviting, and a true expression of their brand—a storefront that was both tough and stylish.

The FADE Approach: 

Our journey began with a complete reimagining of the storefront. As Architects, we reoriented the entrance to create a dynamic, angled glass corner, making the shop more engaging from the street. The core of our solution, however, was pure Fabrication. We designed and built a set of custom, multi-functional screens that serve as the store's identity. These laser-cut steel panels are a design trifecta: they act as dynamic display surfaces, incorporate the store's branding, and, most importantly, slide and lock together to form a formidable security barrier when the store is closed.

The Outcome: 

The result is a complete transformation that artfully balances security and aesthetics. The custom-fabricated screens give the storefront a bold, unforgettable look that stands out on the block, while providing the peace of mind the client needed. By turning a security requirement into the central feature of the design, we created a space that is not only safe but has a stronger, more confident brand identity than ever before.

We have the expertise to combine architecture and fabrication to build custom, branded solutions for your commercial space. Contact us.