For me, life at work is really important. I want to enjoy my time at the office, and that includes socialising while working (where appropriate) - talking about the music we're playing, sharing work problems, complaining about being hungry, etc. I'd find it too stagnant and boring otherwise. My desk jobs (all web stuff) have been:

  - open room of around 15 people, bit of chit-chat but mostly quiet
  - small area of 3-4, disparate types so very quiet
  - large divided room of 10, pretty raucous, very fun, lots of trash talking
  - small area, quiet, mostly alone
  - room of 4-5, very social
  - room of 3-4, we barely shut up all day while working; put headphones on if you want to concentrate

I'd hate to have a room to myself all day. If I want a stretch like that, I come in early or work later than others.