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The paper focuses on the everyday public space around that lies around housing between private areas and the public space designated for community and leisure activities. Such space constitutes a blind spot in urban regulations and daily activities and can provide a focal point for deliberate intervention by those who experience it on a daily basis. In order to discuss the views of city dwellers regarding production of this kind of space, two situations involving spaces that could potentially be used in urban neighborhoods of Belo Horizonte (Brazil) are analysed. The possibility of a collective creation of everyday public space is discussed, based on the different degrees of resident engagement. This kind of collective work does not depend on the bureaucratic structure of local government but rather occurs according to the negotiation and direct action of the individuals and groups involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]