Closed or something in between. Open layouts tend to be loud and littered with distractions. They yield no privacy for the person to separate themselves from what's going on and just focus on solving a problem and getting things done.
Something in between can be a nice compromise so that you don't end up with everyone in an endless maze of totally private offices. Something with high walls that mostly encompasses the person into small work groups but easy enough to navigate if you want to step over and look at something with a co-worker.
Ideally, this would be coupled with adequate "common" space that's open and casual to allow for informal meetings and discussions in small groups but isn't the primary working space for people. Informal doesn't mean strictly business either. It should be comfortable enough space that people can take breaks and come lounge and shoot the breeze with co-workers. Conference rooms should only be needed for more formal presentations and private discussions which require phone, projection, or whiteboards for drawing things out.
Closed or something in between. Open layouts tend to be loud and littered with distractions. They yield no privacy for the person to separate themselves from what's going on and just focus on solving a problem and getting things done.
Something in between can be a nice compromise so that you don't end up with everyone in an endless maze of totally private offices. Something with high walls that mostly encompasses the person into small work groups but easy enough to navigate if you want to step over and look at something with a co-worker.
Ideally, this would be coupled with adequate "common" space that's open and casual to allow for informal meetings and discussions in small groups but isn't the primary working space for people. Informal doesn't mean strictly business either. It should be comfortable enough space that people can take breaks and come lounge and shoot the breeze with co-workers. Conference rooms should only be needed for more formal presentations and private discussions which require phone, projection, or whiteboards for drawing things out.
Yeah, I'm in an open office, and it's a nightmare 99% of the time.
The 1% is when I'm the only one in the office. 😅