WORD is, you could become part of the poem in a hi-tech installation in a Plymouth square.

The computer program used by Mark Greenwood to generate the verses is affected by sensors which pick up movements of people nearby.

The dynamic artist and writer has developed the project in collaboration with the University of Plymouth's centre for innovation in art, science and technology and the city's arts centre.

Mark began with a series of walks around Plymouth investigating the city's myths, histories and monuments as well as new 'systems' for writing poetry.

By dissecting language structure and using the rules and influences he applies to his text-based work, he teamed up with i-DAT, to generate software that 'writes' or executes code.

The program generates new poems and is influenced by its environment through information from sensors monitoring people, CO2 levels and online search engines.

The project will be launched at a free, open event in the Stonehouse Lecture Theatre, Babbage Building, at the University of Plymouth, from 6-7pm on March 6.

There will also be talks by Chris Saunders (i-DAT researcher) and Mark Phillips (i-DAT director) on notions of generative art, software systems and urban and environmental technologies.

Then it will go live on a large LED screen in Portland Square on the university campus until March 22.