1) Why did Professor Chen propose to protect vernacular architecture? (2) Briefly describe the significance of protecting traditional settlements.

(1) Professor Chen proposed to protect vernacular architecture because the existing model of vernacular architecture has formed various buildings with different types, functions and properties, which are combined into a complete system in the settlement. Only in this system, can a local building have the fullest significance and exert the greatest value.

(2) Significance of Protecting Traditional Settlements Traditional settlements are the result of interaction between human activities and natural environment in historical period, which recorded social, economic, political, cultural and ethnic information at that time from different aspects. If it is not protected or even destroyed at will, it will lead to irreparable losses.