Meaning: This quote by Anthony Holden, a journalist, refers to the British architect Peter Arens, who is famously known as the "monstrous carbuncle architect." The quote suggests that despite winning a public competition with his design, the building was never constructed, leading to financial difficulties for his practice. The term "monstrous carbuncle" was famously used by Prince Charles in 1984 to describe a proposed extension to the National Gallery in London, which he deemed to be an eyesore on the city's landscape.

Peter Arens is a fictional character created by Holden to represent a broader issue within the architecture and design industry. This quote serves as a commentary on the challenges and setbacks that architects and designers may face in their professional careers, despite their talents and successes.

The use of the term "monstrous carbuncle" is particularly significant in this context. A carbuncle is a skin infection characterized by a cluster of boils, often considered unsightly and unpleasant. By associating this term with an architect, Holden's quote implies that Arens' designs or proposed buildings were seen as blights on the architectural landscape. This highlights the subjective nature of architecture and design, as what one person may see as innovative and beautiful, another may view as disruptive and unattractive.

The mention of the design winning a public competition adds another layer to the quote. Winning a competition in the design and architecture world is typically a significant achievement, as it demonstrates recognition and approval from both industry professionals and the public. However, the fact that the winning design was never realized suggests that external factors, such as financial constraints or lack of support, may have hindered its execution.

Furthermore, the quote indicates that Peter Arens' practice suffered financially for some years as a result of the unbuilt design. This sheds light on the economic challenges that architects and architectural firms may encounter when projects do not come to fruition. The financial viability of architectural practices is heavily dependent on the successful completion of projects, and setbacks such as the non-realization of a winning design can have long-lasting repercussions.

Holden's quote serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the precarious nature of the architecture profession. It underscores the importance of not only creating innovative and appealing designs but also navigating the complex web of factors that can influence whether a project moves forward to construction.

In conclusion, Anthony Holden's quote about the "monstrous carbuncle architect," Peter Arens, provides insight into the challenges and tribulations that architects may face in their careers. It underscores the subjective nature of architecture, the significance of winning design competitions, and the financial implications of unrealized projects. By encapsulating these themes, the quote prompts reflection on the multifaceted realities of the architectural profession, serving as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance required in the face of adversity.