# Rethinking the tower

By [Brandon Donnelly](https://brandondonnelly.com) · 2019-02-16

coliving, development, housing, micro-living, ryerson, small-space

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![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/de680c84ebdfee0181fd20964f933d0b.jpg)

The Ryerson City Building Institute recently published a new report called, [_Rethinking the Tower: Innovations for Housing Attainability in Toronto_](https://www.citybuildinginstitute.ca/portfolio/rethinking-the-tower/). It looks at four possible approaches to improving housing attainability/affordability in the city:

> _Micro Living: Well-designed micro units can offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional apartments, particularly in central locations where higher land costs can be a barrier to affordability._

> _Shared Space: Co-living, where residents share amenities and services, can improve affordability and create a sense of community, particularly in walkable, transit-connected neighbourhoods where housing costs are high._

> _Home Unbundling: Features, finishes and amenities unbundled from the unit price of condominiums can allow greater choice and reduced costs for homebuyers._

> _Equity Options: With more households renting, and the transition from renting to owning growing ever more challenging, new shared-equity models can help families invest in their home, even if they rent._

In addition, the report also provides a number of project case studies from around the world. If you'd like to download a copy, you can [do that here](https://www.citybuildinginstitute.ca/portfolio/rethinking-the-tower/).

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*Originally published on [Brandon Donnelly](https://brandondonnelly.com/rethinking-the-tower)*