What's On Top

Its a spire, Its an antenna, Its an architectural decoration!

What really is the difference between all these? Maybe we're all silly and there isn't a difference? I in fact find it a bit foolish how they are so harshly separated.

Spire - A spire is a structure or formation, such as a steeple, that tapers to a point at the top. It is an architectural design feature rather than functional element. Spires are counted in official height measurements by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, but not broadcast antennas.

The Petronas Towers, constructed in 1996, was able to strip the Sears Tower's claim to tallest building in the world with its 150 foot tall spires, eclipsing the Sears Tower by 33 feet.

Another famous spire is the Empire State Building's Art Deco spire, made famous by the original King Kong movie. The spire was originally meant to be a mooring mast for dirigibles but the high winds proved the idea to be unfeasible. The Empire State Building at 1,250 feet including the spire, was the tallest building in the world for over 40 years until the World Trade Center towers overtook it.

Antenna - An antenna is an electrical device that sends or receives radio waves for television or radio broadcasting or sending communication signals.

The Sears Tower, with its antennas, is 1,730 feet tall. However, antennas do not count towards the world's tallest building.

The Empire State Building, has broadcasting equipments and antennas atop the Art Deco spire. Most of New York City's major television and FM radio stations broadcast from the Empire State Building.

Basically the difference between a spire and an antenna is the difference in electrical current! Well, others also debate that a spire is a permanent element on the building while the antenna is not. As discussed earlier, an antenna is not counted towards in official height measurements whereas spires are.

Here are some examples of spires and antennas at the top of various skyscrapers. Maybe they look different!

Spires

Antennas