Separate offices for at most 3 or 4 people who need to cooperate closely, with doors that close. Using glass walls you can get the same spacious feeling as an open office without the noise.
If shared offices are used, I think they should have opaque walls and everyone should be able to position themselves such that they have a wall at their back. This leads to a feeling of privacy. And it actually encourages discussion among those sharing an office, as opposed to the more typical layout of N people staring at the walls with their backs to each other.
But you don't need an article to tell you this. It feels shitty to feel like you're under a microscope all the time. Basic privacy makes people more comfortable.
It's not entirely logical - chances are no one's watching me - but it's brain overhead you don't need.
Human nature. It's not the "privacy" per-se, so much as the sense of security. Who wants to feel totally exposed at all times, especially in a situation where someone can easily walk up behind you? It sucks because it leaves us feeling vulnerable and unsafe.