I shouldn't have to drown myself in noise to drown out the rest of you. Your choices are not just 'open plan or cube farm'.

No, and in a civilised open plan people keep it reasonably quiet most of the time.

Note that I did't say put your music on, headphones are enough to say 'do not disturb'

It works great, I spend a lot of my time with noise cancelling headphones on but nothing playing, it mutes the outside discussion enough that I can focus and signals I shouldn't be disturbed unless necessary.

Treat your employees like adults and provide options. The best employers provide a mix of all three: open space, offices, and working remotely.

This seems the only way to satisfy everyone. There are clearly those who strongly prefer some degree of open office space, and some who strongly prefer private space. However, few of the articles I've read give open+optional private offices as an option.

Currently, some at my company use unused meeting rooms as quiet space but generally prefer an open environment, with headphones on or off. A growing number prefer a casual, social environment like couches and tables rather than desks.

A strong influencing factor is the amount of collaborative work. Those who are working alone on projects tend to be solitary, while those who make many collaborative decisions want to be closer to others. This may reduce the need for formal meetings, which allocate blocks of time for a whole group that may not be necessary or efficient.

Adults are respectful of an open but communicative workspace. Conference rooms are a good idea but folks don't need private offices unless they are a noise hazard to other people.

My sentiments exactly. Although I'd add it's a good idea for companies to set aside some closed offices for times when people really want to avoid distractions and/or have some permanently set aside for those who really can't work in an open office environment.

I just can't imagine going back to cubicles, or isolation. The distraction I get is more than made up for by the camaraderie and communication that naturally occurs. Although to be fair I've never been in a seriously dense open office environment -- that might change my perspective.

Headphones may help with sound, but it doesn't hide movements from other people. I'm next to the Admins in my office, so there are people always going to their desk, talking, moving, making copies, and I have to look up often to see if they are going to my desk or somewhere else.