That really questionable. Yes city layouts have large importance and getting the right bonus for important buildings does matter. However, if you want, you can

That really questionable. Yes city layouts have large importance and getting the right bonus for important buildings does matter. However, if you want, you can play very war like, or avoid war quite well. Snowballing early with a push is a viable strategy. Rushing tech to get the first cannon and pushing then as well. It depends on what civilization and what special units and buildings you have.