Individual offices I understand completely. Cubes? Seems like a very cheapskate version of a real office. I've never worked in one though, so I guess I can't quite understand it.
1) Private office - I've had this, it was great
2) Shared office - had this too, it's ok if you have a good officemate
3) Team room - had this, larger office/conference room for one team, you have to be able to close the door
4) private cubicle, high walls - had this, pairing was easy
5) private cubicle, low walls - had this, a few more egregious interruptions
6) shared cubicle - haven't had this, still beats open office
7) open plan, big desks - at this now, it still lacks privacy and noise control
8) open plan, benching - had this, 36" of bench space, had to carry my laptop, mouse and office supplies with me
9) open plan, hot desking - IMO, this is just cause for a resignation letter on ergonomic and dehumanization grounds.
TL; DR: Cubicles are better for concentration and privacy than open plan, not as good as offices. Open plan makes me nostalgic for cubicles.
Individual offices I understand completely. Cubes? Seems like a very cheapskate version of a real office. I've never worked in one though, so I guess I can't quite understand it.