Doon Dayu, who was born in 1899 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, received a bachelor of science in architecture from the University of Minnesota in 1924 following his graduation from Tsinghua College in 1922. In 1925, Doon received a master of science degree in architecture from the University.

After graduation, he worked at various architectural firms in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Chicago, and New York. From 1926-1927, Doon studied at Columbia University and received a doctorate in art and archaeology.

He returned to China in 1928 and was elected President of Chinese Society of Architects in 1929. He was appointed as the advisor and chief architect to the City Planning Commission of Greater Shanghai Municipality in 1929. He served as editor of the architectural section of the Journal of Chinese Institute of Engineers. In 1955, Doon became the Chief Architecture for the Beijing Architectural Institute of Public Construction. Some of Doon’s most notable works include Shanghai City Hall for the Nationalist Government, Shanghai Municipal Library, Shanghai Municipal Museum, Shanghai Unknown Soldiers Memorial, and Shanghai Stadium, which was later named Jiang Wan Sports Center.