Novelist and critic Will Self is to combine conceptual art with writing by moving into a tower block and allowing the public in to watch him work.

The outspoken author is to move into a flat on the 20th floor of a flat in Liverpool which is destined to be demolished.

Tower blocks are slowly disappearing from the UK

Once ensconced he will begin working on a short story, using a 60s-style typewriter as a nod to when the tower block was in its heyday.

The public will be able to visit the flat to watch Self bashing out his prose.

'Fascinating period'

Self is undertaking the project, sponsored by the Liverpool Housing Action Trust, to highlight the shift in priorities for housing as the role of the tower block diminishes.

"I think this is a fascinating period we are living through. The idea that this high modernist aesthetic and functionalist aesthetic is over," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"It is not necessarily something to mourn but to acknowledge."

As his short story develops, pages will be posted on the wall to allow visitors a chance to see how his work develops.

But he admits the public will only be able to see the back of him working and they will not be able to interact with him.

'Impact'

He has defended criticism that he is just being "flip" by carrying out the project.

"I want to take on the conceptual artists on their own ground," he said.

"There will be an actual narrative generated and people can come and read it and enjoy it as it takes place. I hope it is something that will impact on everybody."

Self has written a number of books including How the Dead Live, Feeding Frenzy and Grey Area.