The emergence of shape within developing tissues is an complex process that requires the interplay of a number of factors, including gene activities and mechanical feedback from the tissue itself. These factors act in a coordinated manner across the tissue, but display their primary effects at the cellular level. In order to clearly understand flower development in Arabidopsis thaliana at this cellular level, both in the wild type as well as in mutants, we have established techniques to examine growth in 4 dimensions. We use these data to study cellular properties over time in order to delineate the regional specifities that must underlie stereotypic tissue shape. We are also interested in understanding the specific gene expression patterns that generate these regional specificties, and are pursuing modelling approaches to tackle this question. We hope to generate reality-based, quantitative floral templates for use in modelling studies so as to test hypotheses about how molecular signals and/or mechanical forces establish patterning. While still in its infancy, the project aims to move us away from purely qualitative descriptions of growth and development, and towards the use of a broad, flexible framework that can address divers questions regarding morphogenesis.