Access to arts and culture plays a crucial role in children’s talent development and social connection. This research focuses on how the physical living environment can contribute to this development, with a focus on Rotterdam-Zuid. Through literature research, case studies and workshops at a primary and secondary school, children’s needs and preferences were identified. The results show that younger children show more diversity in their creative preferences and are less influenced by peer pressure than older children. It also shows that physical living environment plays an important role in stimulating artistic expression. The insights from this research lead to design principles for cultural facilities that lower the threshold for arts participation and promote social interaction. This research contributes to the debate on the role of the built environment in relation to talent development of children and art facilities.