Architect Joaquín Torres Mourns Father, Navigates Family Strife

The world of Spanish architecture and construction is in mourning following the death of Juan Torres Piñón, a pioneering engineer and co-founder of ACS, one of Spain’s largest construction companies. His son, renowned architect Joaquín Torres, spoke candidly about the profound loss and the complicated family relationships that defined his father’s life.

“There is no ruin, nor anything like it. There is simply a completely broken family,” Torres shared, his voice heavy with grief. Juan Torres Piñón passed away at 89 after a long period of declining health, but his son emphasized his father’s remarkable mental fortitude throughout years of chronic illness.

A Legacy Forged in Construction and Culture

Torres Piñón’s life was one of significant achievement. Alongside Florentino Pérez, now president of Real Madrid, he established ACS, a company that has become a cornerstone of Spanish infrastructure. Beyond business, Torres Piñón was a dedicated patron of the arts, serving as a trustee of the Reina Sofía Museum and an honorary member of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. He also held the position of Professor Emeritus at the prestigious IESE Business School.

However, the architect revealed a more complex side to his father’s personality. “He always had a need to demonstrate power, even if he wasn’t seeing anyone,” Torres explained. “My mother was loving to everyone, but my father, with his character and ambition, generated terrible antipathies. He was very complicated, very difficult.”

A Fractured Relationship with a Business Partner

The close bond between Torres Piñón and Florentino Pérez cooled after Torres Piñón sold his stake in ACS decades ago. Despite a 25-year silence, Torres revealed his father spoke of Pérez in his final days. “He always had a dependence on him, even if he was better in many things. I dare say he was the most important person in his life, with all certainty.”

The success of ACS, built in a single generation, is a testament to the shared ambition and intelligence of the two men. According to data from the Spanish Ministry of Public Works, ACS currently manages infrastructure projects worth over €75 billion, highlighting the lasting impact of their early vision.

Personal Turmoil Amidst Family Grief

Torres is also navigating a series of personal hardships. Following a severe traffic accident in December 2023 that required ten surgeries, he has faced the loss of his mother, the sudden death of his brother-in-law, and his wife’s serious illness. Adding to the emotional strain, his separation from his husband, Raúl Prieto, has left him feeling “exhausted” but determined to prioritize his well-being.

“When things can’t get any worse, something even worse comes along,” he said. “I need to surround myself with love, not hate, and now I’m angry. I have to cleanse my soul.”

A Dispute Over Inheritance and a Path to Resolution

The family has also been embroiled in a legal dispute over the inheritance, with Torres accusing his brother, Julio, of fraud involving over €400 million in assets across more than 40 companies. Initially, Torres expressed a desire to pursue legal action to the fullest extent. However, he now indicates a shift towards a more conciliatory approach.

“Beyond what my brother Julio stole, I don’t want to be litigating for years, nor do I want my brother to go to jail or leave Spain. I need to close that chapter. My mother’s death shattered my life, and I’ve had to deal with something I never wanted to be involved in – the family estate. The battle with my brother Julio has disrupted the lives of not only my mother but all of us.”

Torres hopes to reach an out-of-court settlement, prioritizing family peace over prolonged legal battles. A funeral is planned in the coming days to allow friends and family to pay their respects to Juan Torres Piñón.