The architectural top element identifies the highest element which belongs to the architectural design of a building. Whatever this object is determines the building's architectural height - in other words, the height will be measured to the top of this object (and no further). This information clarifies the meaning of a building's height, it enables statistical compilations, and it assists searches when this feature is the only known fact about a building.

The architectural relationship determines which summit feature supplies the reference. Its top can be a roof peak, spire, ornament, or another element of the design.

A higher tip element can extend beyond that architectural summit. The uppermost physical point and the highest architectural point therefore need not coincide.