For me, if I could walk 5-10 minutes to an office (especially with people I actually worked with, which wouldn't be the case if I drove 30 minutes to the nearest office) I'd probably do so pretty regularly. For me, it's definitely mostly about the commute which would be 30+ minutes to the closest office and then I wouldn't know anyone there.
Oh wait, that much sq ft per person was “too expensive” so I guess we’re all going back to open plan hell.
Sadly cubicles aren't very soundproof or private (but they are still better than open plan for people who need to concentrate or focus.)
University libraries tend to be somewhat open plan, though sometimes with study carrels, and students manage to get work done there. However they also typically quiet environments as well, there are no supervisors walking around, and falling asleep may be socially acceptable. The density might be better in some cases as well.
It's not culture, it's physics. With a room full of a maze of cloth panels (which are specifically designed to absorb sound), sound is absorbed and can't bounce around the room, leading to much lower overall ambient noise levels.
And then there's "quiet offices" you can use if you need to take a sensitive call or have a quick meeting with 2-3 people.
There is something about walking / cycling that makes even the most miserable day at least tolerable. Now my commute is a combined cycle + train journey again, but now I'm cycling through lovely countryside on quiet country roads. I cannot possibly convey how much I appreciate it, I used to be a city boy!
Used to live in the West Side in Los Angeles. Everything took 30 minutes.
Now I live in North Phoenix. 30 minutes is like... FAR. But it's a real joy to drive.