This article attempts to discuss a series of matters referring to the urban context of the city of São Paulo. Its aim is to determine: a) how the main private groups are organized in order to define the spatial location of the modern tertiary sector; b) how their organizations pressure public powers in order to obtain infra-structural benefits on urban equipments; c) which are the concrete answers of public powers; and d) which are the main social groups, originating in the lower classes, more affected by this struggle of interests.
urban center; re-qualification; entrepreneurial associations; public space