Indeed. My current place of employ has a similar open work space (granted, it looks less like an airport) and it's notably uncomfortable.
The idea that such a layout encourages "openness" and "communication" often doesn't work out, and instead promotes unsolicited shoulder-staring, frequent casual interruptions, and a generally distracting ambiance of sales calls, verbal outbursts, and coworkers' annoying habits. Headphones are my best friend here.
It's odd that you should mention the highschoolish sense of the space, because I notice the same in my own work environment, not only in aesthetic but in the way people conduct themselves and how the business itself has slowly come to be run. (This part is most likely coincidence, but your comment certainly struck a chord.)
The idea that such a layout encourages "openness" and "communication" often doesn't work out, and instead promotes unsolicited shoulder-staring, frequent casual interruptions, and a generally distracting ambiance of sales calls, verbal outbursts, and coworkers' annoying habits. Headphones are my best friend here.
It's odd that you should mention the highschoolish sense of the space, because I notice the same in my own work environment, not only in aesthetic but in the way people conduct themselves and how the business itself has slowly come to be run. (This part is most likely coincidence, but your comment certainly struck a chord.)