Ok i know there a million threads about this but i believe the confusion really boils down to one question regarding safe tribal zones thats getting lost in the discussion. And tbh there has been some conflicting info from the devs. See quotes below...

1 Can architecture structures be damaged by other players at any time?
As the game evolves YES. This won't be in for a while as towns are PLANNED AS SAFE ZONES IN THE PRELUDE, though I am considered tribes to allow to choose if they want to be warring tribes during the prelude. Warring tribes will be able to attack each other. (FAQ)

'Safe zone will be there in Prelude unless you turn them off. AFTER PRELUDE SAFE ZONES GO AWAY.' This touted around the forums a lot recently but im not sure of the orifinal source. Supposedly its Jooky (xsyon)

2
Quote from Virtus:

Hey guys, sorry for not clearing this up earlier. I only just saw it a little while ago and had to confirm what I thought was going to happen.

Here is the plan:

At first all tribal areas will be safe then, at some point down the road, tribal safe zones will be optional.
If your tribe wishes to play more realistically with the chance of being attacked at any point you may do so. However, if you wish to be more of a crafting tribe and not have to look over your shoulder all the time YOU MAY KEEP THE SAFE ZONE ON.

So, the more recent information suggests that safe zones will be optional compared to the general consensus from the past year or so that they will be turned off totally after prelude. Now, this is not my wish particularly im all for compromise as my other input into this discussion will show but maybe some final clarification on this one particular issue will put the discussion to rest a little.