Mel Dodd is an architect and academic who explores practice-based pedagogy and research in architecture that bridges the gap between the academic institution and wider communities, government and society. She has led architecture departments at a range of institutions internationally including at Central Saint Martins in London, and is currently Professor and Head of Department of Architecture, MADA, Monash University. Her publications include ‘Live Projects: Designing with People’ (RMIT Press, 2012) and most recently ‘Spatial Practices: Modes of Action and Engagement with the City (Routledge 2019).