Ugh.  My workplace recently went to low partitions and installed a noise masking system.  All I can say is thank goodness I had already been promoted to an executive position and am entitled to a closed office.

The cubes of yore had at least the illusion of privacy.  I don't understand how people can be productive in the new spaces, with the constant feeling that someone is watching you work.  And I find the noise masking system isn't all that effective at drowning out the annoying sounds -- but does make conversation more of a chore.