This paper presents the results of a continuing study of the self-built housing phenomena in the region of the city of Campinas/SP, Brazil. The main goal of the study was the development of a community action method to improve environmental comfort and the urban landscape in owner-built residential areas, through increased integration of open spaces, with the introduction of a concept termed "outside greens" and "inside greens". This concept is seen as an alternative to green areas in cities like Campinas. Open spaces of a specific owner-built suburb were evaluated through aerial photographs and morphologically characterized. From this data CAD (Computer Aided Design) based drawings were produced and rendered by hand to create three scenarios: 1. the current situation with its present built-up condition; 2. a probable future development without green areas and lacking vegetation and 3, simulations of a future urban condition with vegetation purposely distributed, creating what might be called the "full green" possibility or vision. These drawings became important support material for the interviews held with the local population to investigate their views on their community. The interviews focused on the relation of the population with the open spaces on their own lots, "inside greens", and with the public green areas, "outside greens". The inquiry was centred on the feelings of comfort and the urban landscape quality. The purpose of this study was primarily to engage the population in their own residential environment. Vegetation was used as a theme to improve the urban landscape. In the local climate vegetation increases shading which in-turn directly influences comfort. The study does not enter into quantitative questions, emphasizing qualitative perceptions and community actions. The results of the study show that, importance given to vegetation in residential neighbourhoods of self-builders is not uniform. 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