I'm curious your take on some of the research claiming people are more productive and/or more creative at a coffee shop with noise surrounded by people than in a quiet place alone
Google for "more productive at coffee shops".
That would seem to suggest that maybe private offices aren't quite always best
I feel more productive in coffee shops, but I think a crucial difference between a coffee shop and an open office is that in a coffee shop you are less likely to be interrupted.
I suspect whether one can work better with some background 'noise' (sounds and sights) is partly a personality characteristic, but that interruptions are universally disastrous when one tries to be productive.
Ambient soft noise from people not interacting with you is hardly the same as trying to concentrate in a room full of people actively watching what you are doing and trying to get your attention.
Google for "more productive at coffee shops".
That would seem to suggest that maybe private offices aren't quite always best