Abstract This article aims to analyze arguments about the experience of occupation and use of Paulista Avenue to advance the understanding on urban development policies and their effects. We followed and archaeological analysis inspired by Michel Foucault, an approach that focuses on speeches to understand the present formations from the identification of their statements. As for the Open Paulista (Paulista Aberta), there is a clear spatial dispute, with hierarchies of power being challenged by an emphasis on walking, cycling and leisure. However, although there are favorable and unfavorable speeches, such do not appear to be antagonistic. This work is a critical starting point for the investigation of the relations of power imbricated in the logics of social production of this space.