This is the best, most honest take on open office plans I’ve seen.
But your closing paragraph makes me wonder if such a library concept has any benefits over having everybody work from home. If the main reason to do an open plan is to save on building / rent costs, why not go all the way and have a no office plan?
Other than your theater and recording room, what are the reasons a Basecamp employee would chose to work in the office (unless he or she didn’t have a suitable work space at home)?