Solution: Since the seating is circular and the 2 Newtonian experts must sit together, we treat them as a single block. This reduces the problem to arranging 6 units (the block and 5 historians) in a circle. The number of circular permutations of $n$ objects is $(n-1)!$, so we fix the block and arrange the 5 historians around it, giving $(6 - 1)! = 5!$ arrangements. Within the block, the 2 Newtonian experts can be arranged in $2!$ ways. Thus, the total number of arrangements is:

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**Why the Future of Collaborative Spaces Is Shifting to Circular Expert Pairings** In workplaces, learning labs, and advisory circles across the U.S., a quiet shift is redefining how experts engage in knowledge exchange. The growing interest in optimal spatial design—especially for two tightly integrated specialists—has sparked innovation in physical and virtual collaboration setups. One emerging pattern focuses on seating arrangements that prioritize functional proximity and structural symmetry, centering on a fixed core unit where paired experts remain adjacent. This approach transforms arrangements from scattered nodes into intentional, circular groupings, enhancing interaction dynamics through deliberate spacing. Treating the two Newtonian experts as a single unit doesn’t just simplify logistics—it opens new possibilities in communication flow and psychological alignment. By treating them as a cohesive block, teams create a natural focal point that reduces visual and sensory fragmentation. This shift aligns with current trends in cognitive ergonomics, where physical proximity strengthens shared mental work and mutual focus. **How Circular Arrangement Optimizes Expert Collaboration**