Sometimes developers need to collaborate and sometimes they need quiet isolation. Individual developers have preferences too. (Sometimes I like a bustle around

Sometimes developers need to collaborate and sometimes they need quiet isolation. Individual developers have preferences too. (Sometimes I like a bustle around me. It keeps me from zoning out.) This false dichotomy of exclusively committing to one or the other is foolish. With notebook computers and mobile phones, there is no reason to chain an employee to their desk. A software company could have areas with open tables and school desks designated for a particular working environment. It would require some sound proofed rooms meant for demos and discussions, and at least one large area you could call "The Library" where talking is met with a chorus of angry shushing. This is just an idea that’s been rattling around my head so I am sure there are points to work out in implementation, but I doubt it would cost significantly more or hurt productivity any worse than open office plans.