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I have a completed grid, the description and some of the thematic items (21 cells in all). I can see there's a consistent way of filling the silvered squares; I have done so for those at the top left, bottom right and at Row 4, Column 4. The others elude me. I've found a thematic item that incorporates the square at Row 10, Column 10 but what would go in that square seems inconsistent with the way I've filled the other silvered squares. As for the central square, no idea at all!

I hope this makes sense; I'm trying to avoid obvious spoilers. Any gentle tips appreciated.

I'm right where you are except for missing the top left square. I agree that the entry method for the 4th item seems inconsistent. Given the number of carbon-based life forms that fit the description from the extra words, there is a little too much GWIT in this end-game for me.

However, my highlighting for the 2nd, 4th and 5th items take up 25 cells so maybe we are not in the same place.

ah, never mind - you're saying items 1 2 and 5 take up 21 cells.

Apologies, I am innumerate. I can't add up. I have 22, not 21 cells from items 1, 2 and 5 and 30 cells if I include the dubious fourth item.

I was assuming item 1 took up 5 cells, but the number of words that end in those 4 letters is no large that unless you know exactly what to look for, you could be searching forever. This also means the elusive center square is part of a 3-cell item - again, so so many possibilities.

You are correct in your assumption. Look up Leon Krier on Wiki and that's set you on the right track.

That leaves, as you say, three cells for the central one. The cells in the centre of the row look most likely but I still can't find anything :)

Thanks for item 1. Not very well known on this side of the Atlantic, I fear.

Looks likeI won’t solve the endgame this week, but I would appreciate help with a couple of elusive clues please.
28d: blast furnace may produce these but can heat erratically (6)
One word is redundant
32d:
Beats in sound made by gentle people (4)

28 down is a compound anagram: answer + BUT CAN jumbles to BLAST FURNACE Hear redundant

32 across: Regular is redundant; think of the expression "gentle as a XXXX" which (pluralised) is a homophone of the answer