Silence vs. Noise

In the office where I work, there are several smaller offices which have doors that open to a large common room. Recently, I was moved to an office that faces the common room (the office I was in previously just faced a hallway.) I am amazed how noisy it gets in the common room! I am a self professed auditory person, which means that I am very sensitive to noise, I prefer silence while I am trying to work, although I don't mind music without words. I also get distracted easily by noises. Well, at my work place it has been requested that we do NOT close the door to our smaller offices. I understand that the boss wants to promote unity and cohesivenss in the office place but the noise in the common room really gets to me! I also consider it rather rude that people like to go stand in the common area and chat. This wasn't as much of a problem when I was in this same office about three months ago, probably because I faced the wall that did not look out the door and I was able to tune out the noise. Perhaps I will have to move my computer to the other desk which faces the wall. Hmm... there's an idea. More random thoughts later, hopefully they will be happy thoughts...