I actually enjoy open office plans despite not liking group work/study.

I prefer being alone. I don't really see people other than my wife outside of work. Work is my only chance to socialize, which makes an open office plan ideal for me. It's very easy to start conversations with the people near me and have them turn into fun group discussions.

Once you give up on the idea of having long unbroken periods of productivity, the open office plan can be a lot of fun.